New ACRL Assessment Immersion program
NEWS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008
Contact: Margot Conahan
(312) 280-2522
New ACRL Assessment Immersion program
CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Institute for Information Literacy announces a new addition to its popular Immersion program. Assessment Immersion Track: Assessment in Practice is intended for librarians active in teaching and learning and those with leadership roles in information literacy program development who want to improve their knowledge and practice of both classroom and program assessment. Applications for the Assessment track, which will be held December 4-7, are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is June 2.
The program approaches assessment from a learning-centered perspective, building upon the philosophy of “assessment-as-learning,” developed at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Alverno College. Formative assessment will be emphasized to explore its role in instructional and curricular design, in librarian/faculty skill development and in development of information literacy (IL) programs. Summative assessment tools will be explored along with strategies for determining their appropriate application.
Throughout the program, participants will work individually and cooperatively to extend their conceptual understanding of assessment and to expand their toolkit of practical assessment methods. Participants will emerge with a broader understanding of assessment and how to use it as an important tool to guide evidence-based classroom, curriculum and program development. During the program, participants will develop a plan for their assessment activities which will form the basis for future engagement with these issues both individually and as leaders of IL initiatives at their institutions.
The Assessment Immersion program will be offered December 4 - 7 at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Scarritt Bennett Center is located in the heart of Nashville within walking distance of Music Row, Vanderbilt University, area shops and restaurants.
While the program’s content will build upon the assessment curriculum presented in the Teacher and Program Tracks of the Immersion Program, previous participation is not required. Participation is limited to 45 to ensure an environment that fosters group interaction and active participation. Preference will be given to individuals with at least five years instruction experience in an academic library.
Assessment Immersion Track applications must be submitted via the online application form by Monday, June 2. The application form and instructions, along with complete program details and learning outcomes, are available at:
Questions concerning the program or application process should be directed to Margot Conahan at (312) 280-2522 or mconahan@ala.org.
ACRL is a division of the American Library Association (ALA), representing more than 13,000 academic and research librarians and interested individuals. ACRL is the only individual membership organization in North America that develops programs, products and services to meet the unique needs of academic and research librarians. Its initiatives enable the higher education community to understand the role that academic libraries play in the teaching, learning and research environments.
