Application materials for the ACRL Information Literacy Immersion Program Assessment and Intentional Teaching Tracks are now available.  Applications are due Friday, May 15, 2015.

The Immersion Program allows you to embrace your educational role by embarking on a path of teacher development and pedagogical inquiry in a community of practice for academic librarians devoted to collaborative learning and individual renewal.  The program will be offered in Nashville, Tennessee.  Assessment track dates are November 4-7, 2015; Intentional Teaching track dates are November 4-8, 2015.

Assessment: Demonstrating the Educational Value of the Academic Library Track (November 4-7, 2015) — Discover how to approach assessment from a learning-centered perspective. Participants will emerge with a broader understanding of assessment and how to use assessment as an important tool to guide evidence-based classroom, curriculum and program development.  Learning outcomes include:

• Define assessment in terms of student learning in order to understand its relationship to good teaching, library viability, and change
• Formulate a learning-centered philosophy of assessment in order to inform development of information literacy program elements
• Explore and utilize multiple modes of assessment in order to build a culture of evidence upon which to base programmatic development and change
• Critically examine a variety of assessment techniques and methodologies in order to evaluate them for application in your institutional setting
• Examine the leadership role of the library in a collaborative IL assessment effort in order to build support and trust among the stakeholder groups at your institution

“I love Immersion. Every program I've gone to has done more to change me in a few days than years of work. Thank you so much!” ~ 2014 Assessment Immersion participant

Intentional Teaching: Reflective Teaching to Improve Student Learning Track (November 4-8, 2015) — Find out how to become more self-aware and self-directed as a teacher.  This track is aimed at the experienced academic librarian (5+ years teaching experience, in a library or other setting) and facilitates the process of critical reflection through peer discussion, readings and personal reflection as a pathway to professional growth and renewal.  Learning outcomes include:

• Engage in ongoing reflective practice in order to sustain professional renewal and growth.
• Articulate a personal philosophy of teaching and learning in order to intentionally shape the student experience.
• Align personal philosophy with daily practice in order to consistently actualize your beliefs, intentions and actions
• Participate in a community of practice in order to access and share ideas, resources, publications, support structures, and networks.
• Value uncertainty and risk-taking in order to deepen your identity and integrity as a teacher.

“Teachers were all fantastic! Participants were all extraordinary people. Fell in love with everyone. Readings were very informative. Can't wait to go home and read all the books and share them with my colleagues. I'm stoked. Can't wait to go home and teach!” ~ 2014 Intentional Teaching Immersion participant

Visit the Immersion website for complete details about the program, including curriculum details and application instructions. Questions concerning the program or application process should be directed to Margot Conahan at (312) 280-2522 or [log in to unmask].