“can i leave early?” using the cephalonian method for first-year library instruction david...

“Can I Leave Early?”Using the Cephalonian Method

for First-Year Library Instruction

David Hurley & Robin Potter, Learning Services Librarians, University of New Mexico Libraries

NMLA Mini-Conference, April 10, 2015

“Who Are You…”

• Robin PotterLearning Services Librarian

• David HurleyLearning Services Librarian

“…and What’s a Cephalonian?”

• Active learning method to liven up instruction

• Originally conceived for library orientations, we’ve started using it in first-year instruction sessions

• Linda Davies and Nigel Morgan, Cardiff University

• Named after the island of Cephalonia, in Greece

“You’ve got to be kidding me. We’re handing the students questions now?! Don’t they ever have to think for themselves anymore?”

“This card doesn’t have instructions or anything. How am I supposed to know what to do?”

“What made you give this method a try?”

• We’re both new to UNM,

• Started quickly teaching ENGL 120 sessions,

• Looking for ways to engage with students,

• Observed it done for a high school class,

• Worth a try!

“I don’t work in an academic library, and I sure as heck don’t teach any classes. Can I leave early?”

Not relevant

“You can’t really cover everything the students need to know using this method, can you?”

Robin’s questions

Green Question

The artist I chose is pretty famous, so I’m finding a whole lot of stuff on the internet about them. How do I know what I’m finding is credible?

Red Question

I need to find a basic introduction to “Dada”, to make sure I’m clear about what that means, but I heard we’re not supposed to use WIKIPEDIA! What else is there?

Red Question

I have so many ideas for writing about my artwork! How do I know what kinds of sources will help me?

Yellow Question

Whether I use Google, or the library resources, I’m having trouble finding relevant information. Do you have any tips that might help?

Pink Question

I’m SO excited about what you’re teaching us. Where can I find out more about all the wonders of the libraries, for future assignments?

David’s questions

“I’m a really shy student. Or maybe I’m just totally disengaged. Either way I’m not going to read this question out loud in front of my peers. What are you going to do about it, huh?”

Variables:• Your energy level• Question order and number of questions• Attitude of class and how they relate to their

instructor• Matching students to questions• Changing your answers on the fly

What could possibly go wrong?

“Libraries are SERIOUS BUSINESS. Do the questions really have to be so jokey?”

Topic I want to cover with this question:How to write questions.

Main Points:What do you want to cover?Ask question from audience’s standpoint.Exaggerate the scenario to make it a little

funny. Humor helps, but isn’t essential.

Question could have been “What are the most important considerations when writing Cephalonian questions?”

Why do we have to ask YOUR questions all the time? Why can’t we ever ask our own questions?

Credits

Images:

Abilene Christian College. (1955). Prickly Pear, Yearbook of Abilene Christian College. Accessed via http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth39932/

Bach, Eviatar. (2011). “’Hello my name is’ sticker.” Accessed via Wikimedia Commons

Debord-Lazaro, Veronique. (2010). “What?” Photograph. Accessed via Flickr

Goldwyn Studio. (1933). “Publicity photo of Eddie Cantor for comedy film Roman Scandals.” Accessed via Wikimedia Commons

Johnston, Frances Benjamin. "[Laboratory at Tuskegee Institute, Ala.]" [1902]. Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. Accessed via http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/carver/aa_carver_tuskegee_3_e.html

Lord Windsor. (1882).“Cephalonia, from Zante.” etching. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons

Levy and son [or Kuhn- disputed authorship]. (1895). “Train wreck at Montparnasse.” Photograph. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons

n.a. (n.d.) “[Thriller dance moves.]” Accessed March 31 via http://www.hipstercrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/thrillerDance.KTXjszw6CPOb.jpg

And photographs by David and Robin.

For Further Reading:

Cardiff University. The official cephalonian method page. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/educationandtraining/infolit/cephalonianmethod/index.html

Morgan, N., & Davies, L. (2004). Innovative library induction: Introducing the ‘Cephalonian Method.’ SCONUL Focus 32, 4-8.

Vossler, J. (2011). “Pirates of the Cephalonian Method.” In S. Sheidlower & J. Vossler, Humor and Information Literacy: Practical Techniques for Library Instruction (71-75). Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.

Thanks for participating!

Robin Potter rhpotter@unm.edu

David Hurley dah@unm.edu