The Information-Literate Science Teacher in the Global World

Poster presenters: Karin Griffin and Hema Ramachandran, CSU-Long

Beach

CARL Conference 2008

Summer 2007

Informal discussions on mutual interests between Science Education and Engineering Librarians begins…

Brainstorm and start research!

Summary of Literature Review

Research on:• Science Literacy• Information literacy and science literacy• Accreditation of teachers

Results: • Much has been written about Science Literacy

(see selection of definitions on side panels)• Less research on connection between science

literacy and information literacy

Idea!

Incorporating information literacy into science lesson

plansBuild science teachers’ information literacy skills

AND

Train science teachers to incorporate information literacy into their lesson plans

Importance of Science (Information) Literacy

• US public lags behind many nations in its understanding of science

• Science and technology permeates all aspects of daily life

• Pre-requisite for citizens to become informed decision makers and consumers

• Globalization of society requires understanding of science and technology

• Information literacy provides a set of skills that facilitates lifelong learning for global citizens

ACRL: Information Literacy Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology

• Based on the ALA standards in the context of science and engineering (does not include mathematics)

• Five standards and 25 performance indicators with each performance indicator having one or more outcomes for assessing the progress toward information literacy of students in science, engineering or technology at all levels of higher education.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

• NCATE Unit Standards (2006 edition) states that teacher candidates be:

“…able to appropriately and effectively integrate technology and information literacy in instruction to support student learning. They understand the importance of using research in teaching and other professional roles and know the roles and responsibilities of the education profession.”

http://www.ncate.org/public/standards.asp?ch=4

Pitching the Idea!

• SciEd Librarian attends departmental meeting • Two faculty members show enthusiasm and

interest (Whoo! Whoo!!!)• Both librarians meet interested faculty to sell

idea/concept• Free ranging discussion on incorporating our

ideas into their curriculum• Suggestion: offer it as a part of the “Science

Methods” program • Target pilot for inclusion in Spring 2008

Program Development

• Discussions helped crystallize ideas• Understanding information needs of teachers• Must address information resources in the

community for professional and curriculum development

• Lifelong Learning

AND• Incorporating information literacy into lesson

plans

Pilot program: Spring 2008

Information Resources for Science Educators

Covers information resources at the CSULB library and other libraries, the Web, and in communities to enhance and support classroom instruction and to further professional development and personal growth.

Information Literacy in Science Education Lesson Plans

Student-teachers will acquire tools and strategies to incorporate information literacy into lesson plans to enable their students to become better science information seekers.