SOCIAL SCIENCES

How To Teach

Rowman & Littlefield. (Practical Guides for Librarians, No. 1). 2013. 180p. illus. index. ISBN 9780810891050. pap. $65; ebk. ISBN 9780810891067. PRO MEDIA
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Crane (Dialog Information Systems; Using Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools in the K-12 Classroom) offers practical advice to librarians faced with teaching an array of information literacy workshops. She begins by presenting summaries of various learning and pedagogic theories, from B.F. Skinner to Jean Piaget. (During her discussion of learning styles, she acknowledges that there are objections to learning style theory, but she does not cite specifics.) The next few chapters provide planning and implementation tips. Chapters four through eight outline types of instruction, including face-to-face and synchronous and asynchronous online instruction. The final chapter wraps up with what the future may hold for library instruction. The theories and principles highlighted in the first chapter are used throughout the book with practical examples. Each chapter begins with objectives and ends with key points, websites for more information, exercises, references, and further reading. The book also contains sample handouts and workshops.
VERDICT As Crane states, "Learning is complex," which makes effective teaching a challenge. Her book is a serious attempt to make it an easier task. Recommended for teaching librarians both newly minted and experienced.
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