Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Across the Curriculum

Critical Thinking & Information Literacy
Across the Curriculum

10th International Conference on College Learning and Teaching
Jacksonville, Florida
April 15, 1999

Bellevue
Community
College

In Washington state, approximately 12 miles east of Seattle

3rd largest higher education institution in the state

19,470 students, 9496 college credit

68% academic classes, 17% occupational, 15% other

CTILAC

Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Across the Curriculum
NSF’s Institution wide reform of undergraduate education in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology (SMET)
Project built on pilot projects in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998

Goals

To infuse Critical Thinking and Information Literacy across the curricula using interdisciplinary topics based on scientific concepts and science-related issues.
Vehicle for developing skills that will assist students throughout their educational and professional careers
Cross disciplinary dialogue between faculty in different disciplines

Objectives

Give students the basic skills in critical thinking and information literacy
Menu of assignments and activities developed by faculty that can be adapted to different disciplines
Assignments, activities and assessment tools available on CTILAC web site

Activities

Workshops for faculty on best use of information technology and information literacy in the classroom
Faculty work with librarians to design activities tailored to specific disciplines
Sharing of assignments and activities and discussion of how to adapt to different disciplines

Workshop participants

Different approaches to problem

English 102, Nursing 102 - require research paper
Biology 100, Environmental Science 204, Psychology 200

Linked class

gives faculty time to cover both content and CTILAC
Math 120 Pre-calculus, Accounting

Types of Courses

Interdisciplinary courses

Of Mice and Matter, - Biology, Chemistry, Learning Strategies
Silicon Snake Bytes - English and Information Technology

Stand-alone class

bridge course for ESL students

Mice and Matter Classroom

Cross disciplinary connections

more science involvement in interdisciplinary courses

Biology, Psychology, and Speech

Botany and Philosophy

Botany, Anthropology, Media technology

Cross disciplinary discussion and meetings

English department and Life and Physical Sciences to discuss research assignments.
Critical thinking definition applicable to all disciplines.

Assessment

Pre- and post tests of skills, attitudes, confidence levels

assignments and test questions that assess critical thinking and information literacy skills

focus groups

faculty and student surveys

Thank you for attending my presentation. Visit CTILAC's Web Site for more information about the project!

Prepared April 5, 1999 by Carol Burton, Life Sciences faculty member, Bellevue Community College.

Library Media Center
3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.
Bellevue, Washington 98007-6484

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Permission is granted to copy these materials for educational purposes
provided complete acknowledgement is included.

Updated August 26, 2003