The next Information and Digital Literacy Journal Club will be led by Krasimir Spasov (American University in Bulgaria). We will discuss the article “Critical discourse analysis as a reflection tool for information literacy instruction: A case study approach of library orientation sessions” written by Devina Danda and Sajni Lacey in 2021.
The article explores how language can both alienate and empower students within the IL classroom. In addition, other aspects that are explored include power dynamics and student voice within the classroom, critical discourse analysis as a tool for IL instruction reflection, and how these are connected to critical pedagogy.
Here are some discussion questions:
- How can we popularize library orientation sessions around campus and engage students to be more participative during the classes?
- The article discusses language as the first barrier to students’ comprehension and immersion into the academic world. How can librarians help break down this language barrier during orientation week so that students feel “at home”?
- Using a library jargon language can instill power into students’ minds. What are the means and tools to relinquish this authoritative language power and bridge the gap between librarians and students?
- The article further discusses critical discourse analysis and ways it can be approached during library orientations. How many of us use the critical pedagogy approach when teaching? How do we purposefully use language when practicing it to achieve better results?