ACRL Framework: Integrations for Special Libraries

Abstract

This column examines the potential applications of the ACRL Information Literacy Framework within special libraries. The authors address the current literature related to the ACRL Framework in special libraries and present two case studies detailing its usage in instruction and outreach initiatives. The first case study relates to an instruction session for interns at Mt. Cuba Center. The second case study relates to teaching users to edit Wikipedia at the New York Botanical Garden. Suggestions for how to integrate the ACRL Framework into future projects as well as suggestions for how information literacy can take on a greater role within the special libraries field are included in the conclusion.     

Beginning teachers’ self-efficacy and stress and the supposed effects of induction arrangements

Induction arrangements are implemented in schools all over the world to support beginning teachers (BTs) (novices) in gradually growing into their profession. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into two key psychological processes involved in the work of a qualified beginning teacher, namely perceived stress and self-efficacy. This unfolding is necessary to find a path of influence to lead the way to meaningful support interventions. Support in the form of induction arrangements is hypothesised to decrease perceived stress and to increase self-efficacy and, thus, decrease stress outcomes. To test our hypotheses 30 BTs and their school-based educators, working in 13 different schools, were surveyed. The analyses revealed that stress causes and stress outcomes are indeed interrelated and that self-efficacy affects this relationship in a mediating way. However, besides decreasing a beginning teachers’ perceived lack of learning opportunities, no other influences of induction arrangements were obtained. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.     

Distance Learning for GED® Students in Rural Pennsylvania

Abstract

Although many adult basic education programs offer distance learning (DL) for GED (General Educational Development) and English as a Second Language learners, this topic has received little scholarly attention. This article examines the availability, usage, and effectiveness of DL for rural GED candidates in Pennsylvania; students' demographic and educational characteristics and participation patterns; and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of DL for students and education providers. Data sources included records of 24,143 rural GED students in state-funded programs; GED test takers' demographic survey data; interviews with DL educators and students; and a survey of non-state-funded DL providers. The results show that 4% of rural GED students—primarily young, White, low-income women—participated in DL. Rural DL students were as likely to pass the GED Tests as face-to-face learners. Key advantages and disadvantages of DL for rural GED students are discussed. The study signals great potential and need for expanding DL in rural regions.     

Students’ Argumentation Skills across Two Socio-Scientific Issues in a Confucian Classroom: Is transfer possible?

This paper argues the possible simultaneous development and transfer of students' argumentation skills from one socio-scientific issue to another in a Confucian classroom. In Malaysia, the Chinese vernacular schools follow a strict Confucian philosophy in the teaching and learning process. The teacher talks and the students listen. This case study explored the transfer of argumentation skills across two socio-scientific issues in such a Form 2 (8th grade) classroom. An instructional support to complement the syllabus was utilised. The teaching approach in the instructional support was more constructivist in nature and designed to introduce argumentation skills which is uncommon in a Confucian classroom. The two socio-scientific issues were genetically modified foods and deforestation. This paper presents a part of the bigger case study that was conducted. Data collected from written arguments were analysed using an analytical framework built upon Toulmin's ideas. The whole class analysis indicated progression in students' argumentation skills in their ability to give more valid grounds and rebuttals during the transfer. The individual analysis suggests progression in the majority of students' performance, while several students demonstrated non-progression when they faced a different socio-scientific issue.     

Achievement Motive of Four-Year-Olds and Maternal Achievement Expectancies

The relationship between achievement motive, as measured by tendency to resume a challenging task, and maternal expectancies regarding achievement was tested in a sample of 80 four-year-olds. Results indicated that the number, magnitude, and direction of relationship differed according to sex and social class variables. Boys and girls in the lower class tended to exhibit higher achievement motive when the mother indicated moderate, rather than extreme, expectancies. In the upper class, girls had higher achievement motive when mothers believed in early training for achievement and expressed controlling attitudes, while higher achievement motives in boys were associated with late ages for achievement-inducing. Reasons for differential conditioning effect of sex and social class are discussed.     

Mejora de la comprension lectora mediante diagramas de flujo

RESUMEN

El conocimiento de la estructura del texto discrimina a los buenos lectores de los peores. Una instrucción centrada en la estructura del texto debería facilitar la comprensión de la lectura. Se plantea una investigación cuyo objeto es ver los resultados de entrenar a los lectores menos diestros en fijar su atención en la estructura de los textos. El entrenamiento se centró en la enseñanza de la realización de diagramas de flujo utilizando las partículas como marcadores lógicos y estructurales del texto. Se demuestra que el empleo de diagramas de flujo como herramienta para buscar la estructura del texto y reconocer sus indicadores es útil y mejora las estrategias de lectura.     

Example of good practice of a learning environment with a classroom response system in a mechanical engineering bachelor course

Results of a successful pilot study are presented, in which quizzes are introduced in a second year bachelor course for mechanical engineering students. The pilot study course entailed the basic concepts of mechanical vibrations in complex, realistic structures. The quiz is held weekly using a SharePoint application. The purpose of the quizzes is to repeat important course material, give instantaneous feedback (i.e. formative assessment), stimulate peer instruction and, as a consequence, increase the students’ comprehension of the basic concepts taught in the course so that their deeper understanding of the subject matter improves. Students can earn half a point bonus, on a scale from 0 to 10, on top of their exam mark if they correctly answer 55% of all the quiz questions. The efficacy of the pilot study is determined by investigating the percentage of students that pass the course on their first attempt, i.e. the first time pass rate, and asking students for feedback through questionnaires. The first time pass rate of the students in the pilot study groups has, on average, increased significantly in comparison to groups in which the quizzes are not performed. Students indicated that the feedback from the quizzes helps them to identify gaps in their knowledge. Therefore, the pilot study is considered effective.