Immersion '12 Program

Intentional Teaching: Reflective Practice to Improve Student Learning

November 14-18, 2012
Nashville, Tennessee
Scarritt-Bennett Center

Invitation to Apply

The Intentional Teaching: Reflective Practice to Improve Student Learning track is intended for the experienced academic librarian who wants to become more self-aware and self-directed as a teacher.  Participants will examine their practice through the four lenses of:

  • autobiography
  • student perspective
  • colleague as resource
  • research literature on teaching and learning

Each of these lenses will be used to look at four areas important to teaching:

  • philosophy/values
  • pedagogy
  • student impact
  • experimentation

A learning community in which all participants co-contribute to the program’s success through a high degree of engagement will form the basis of the experience. A faculty of nationally recognized librarians will guide the process, create an environment for professional renewal, provide the structure and overarching process for the program, and offer content and information to spark new thinking. Participants will have a high degree of autonomy to make the work relevant to their own situation; their support of each other is crucial. 

The program offers a mixture of structured and co-constructed learning segments such as peer discussions, individual reading and reflection times, and participant-led communities of practice. Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. A competitive application process will be used to select participants. 

Requirements

Participants should have at least 5 years of teaching experience in a library or other setting, be currently involved in teaching, and have contact with students in the months prior to the program they will be attending. Please note that the program is not designed for those who want to learn how to teach.  

Learning Outcomes

The Intentional Teaching: Reflective Practice to Improve Student Learning Program is based on two crucial assumptions:

(1) that the process of critical reflection is the key to professional renewal; and

(2) that this process of critical reflection itself is the foundational content of the program. 

The four lenses of autobiographical self-reflection, student perspectives, colleague as resource, and theory/research literature are threaded throughout the three and a half days, with each becoming a focal point when appropriate. The four lenses organize the program not in a linear way, but through a mutually reinforcing perspective gained through a gradually sharpened, clarified focus on professional practice.

  • Outcome 1: Engage in ongoing reflective practice in order to sustain professional renewal and growth.
  • Outcome 2: Articulate a personal philosophy of teaching and learning in order to intentionally shape your teaching.
  • Outcome 3: Examine how your personal philosophy is applied in daily practice in order to identify strengths and remediate disconnections between beliefs and actions.
  • Outcome 4: Participate in a community of practice in order to access and share ideas, resources, publications, support structures, and networks.
  • Outcome 5: Identify and experiment with a variety of instructional practices in order to expand pedagogical repertoire and progress.
  • Outcome 6: Value uncertainty and risk-taking in order to deepen your identity and integrity as a teacher.

Application Instructions

Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. A competitive application process will be used to select participants.  Note that only applications submitted via the online application form will be considered.  Please read through the tips below thoroughly before you start the application process.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Immersion Intentional Teacher Track is Monday, May 7, 2012 (11:59 p.m. Central time).
 

Application Tips

1. Have the following information prepared before you begin your online application form:

  • Contact information

  • Education
     
  • Work experience
     
  • Candidate statement.  Applicants must submit an essay that describes their goals for professional renewal and growth related to teaching.  Reviewers will be looking for evidence of your ability to reflect on your teaching experiences, contribute to a collaborative learning environment and continue to build upon the experience after this Immersion program. (No longer than 1,500 words)
     
  • References.   Applicants must submit names and contact information for two professional references.  

2.  Participation is limited to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. A competitive application process will be used to select participants.  Note that only applications submitted via the online application form will be considered.  Please review the Intentional Teaching rubric before you begin your application.

3.  The Intentional Teaching: Reflective Practice to Improve Student Learning Track is an individual application process, and acceptance into the program is for an individual applicant.  There is no institutional ownership of an accepted-applicant slot, and if for some reason, an accepted applicant cannot attend, another person from that institution may not be substituted. The next accepted applicant on the ranked waiting list will be offered the slot.

4.  The application deadline cannot be extended.

How to Apply

Complete the online application form by Monday, May 7, 2012 (11:59 p.m. Central time).

Notifications will be issued via e-mail in July 2012.  Questions may be directed to Margot Conahan, mconahan@ala.org,  312-280-2522 .