The Problem with Grit: Dismantling Deficit Models in Information Literacy Instruction
Eamon Tewell (Reference & Instruction Librarian) @ Long Island University Brooklyn
Deficit models of education focus on what students lack, rather than what they bring to their education. Due to a lack of attention to structural problems, this type of education fails to question inequalities. Popular movements such as Grit and Growth Mindset have made inroads into information literacy, but require serious questioning from librarians. This session offers two alternatives: critical information literacy and culturally responsive pedagogy. Attendees will find out what deficit models look like in information literacy and learn about instructional approaches and concrete examples that aim to oppose systemic inequities rather than have students simply adapt to them.
(DIANE'S NOTE: was wildly popular; some said this should have been our keynote)
Librarians to Battle Stations: Cognitive Dissonance and Information Literacy in the Fake News Era
Maoria J. Kirker (Instruction & Assessment Coordinator) @ George Mason University and Ilana Stonebraker (Assistant Professor of Library Science, Business Information Specialist) @ Purdue University
Cognitive dissonance is the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change. This presentation will discuss how cognitive dissonance, information literacy and fake news concepts are related and applied within the library classroom. Attendees will leave with practical tips on how to address cognitive dissonance in information literacy instruction as well as beginning to confront their own relationship with cognitive dissonance and fake news. Come to this presentation for a lively, interactive session on how we can move the profession forward. (DIANE'S NOTE: this was another super popular one that I managed to miss!)