Teaching Media Literacy

De Abreu, Belinha S. Teaching Media Literacy: A How-to-Do-It Manual and CD-ROM. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2007. ISBN 1-55570-596-0

Can you list the 5 core concepts and questions for media literacy? Have you heard of the TAP model? Have you ever combined media literacy skills with a history or science lesson? If you answered no to any of these questions, consider reading this valuable resource. -- Jen

Booklist Review:
Media literacy is gaining attention as information literacy is being parsed into various components. The term is actually short for mass media, as opposed to multimedia or mixed media, and focuses on discerning the message and agenda of producers. The ultimate intent is to help beginners become savvy consumers as well as learning how to create media messages. To this end, De Abreu explains (mass) media literacy, discusses its significance in the lives of youth, and describes the current status of media literacy education. The majority of the book includes basic lesson development and seven sample topical lessons on television, music and radio, advertising, media production, and more. Each lesson includes a brief overview and several mini lessons. Following the lessons is a section providing a glossary and lists of resources. The accompanying CD-ROM repeats the lessons, handouts, and glossary. This is a practical “package deal” that will help beginning librarians and educators. --Lesley Farmer

Creating a Comprehensive Information Literacy Plan

Burkhardt, Joanna M., Mary C. MacDonald, and Andree J. Rathemacher. Creating a Comprehensive Information Literacy Plan: A How-to-Do-It Manual and CD-ROM for Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2005. ISBN 1-55570-533-2

Although the bulk of the examples are for a college audience, this resource includes a running example from a K-6 school and would be valuable for secondary librarians as well. Many books focus on teaching information literacy skills, but not many hold your hand and offer step-by-step guidance about building an information literacy plan. This one does, and it provides plenty of worksheets and real-life examples along the way. -- Jen

Library Journal Starred Review:
Transform[s] a monumental endeavor into a manageable task by removing most of the guesswork in creating an information literacy program...This is an essential resource, highly recommended for those needing to launch an IL program...there is practical information and a model plan for grades K-6.

Making the Writing and Research Connection with the I-Search Process

Tallman, Julie I., and Marilyn Z. Joyce. Making the Writing and Research Connection with the I-Search Process: A How-to-Do-It Manual, 2nd ed. Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2006. ISBN 1-55570-534-0

The I-Search approach to research begins with students selecting topics based on personal interests. The process builds inquiry skills and includes several stages of reflection, both of which help the student grow as a researcher and writer. This book can help you learn and teach the I-Search process. -- Jen

School Library Journal Review:
Tallman and Joyce's first edition (1997)concentrated on training middle and secondary students to employ I-Search, a research and writing process that challenges learners to have a "stake in the topic" of study. What's new with this edition is the generalization of the process to expand application to learners of all ages, abilities, and personalities across the curriculum; what is unchanged is the assumption that learning is more intimate when students pursue inquiries within their scope of interest. In addition to a revised restatement of the I-Search process, this new volume offers feedback and changes based on reactions from teachers who followed the original. It uses the very evolution of the process and of instructional technologies to engender fresh application of I-Search, and it responds to national standards conceived since the first publication. An accompanying CD-ROM contains downloadable files of all of the figures and charts from the manual that include outlines, handouts, worksheets, and sample student projects. The flexibility of this edition is particularly welcome, as it suggests how to apply the I-Search process to any area of education.—Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

A is for Almanac

Garvin, Susan L., and Annie Weissman. A is for Almanac: Complete Lessons to Teach the Use of Reference Sources in Grades K-6. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2008. ISBN 1-55570-623-1

The product description provides a good summary of what this book offers: Chock-full of [almost 200] librarian-perfected lessons and worksheets, this book and accompanying CD contain ready-to-go lesson plans, worksheets, activities, and more for teaching students how to use both print and electronic atlases, almanacs, dictionaries, online catalogs, and encyclopedias. You'll find lessons for each grade level, emphasizing either science or social studies. And each lesson has been developed using Madeline Hunter's EEI (Essential Elements of Instruction) lesson plan format. Lessons are well scaffolded for grade-to-grade continuity and the authors have even included high-interest games and contests to engage and motivate students. Designed to encourage collaboration between librarians and classroom teachers, the lessons can be easily correlated to state and district standards. The accompanying CD includes all of the worksheets, games, and contests, as well as posters for your library…all of which can be customized for your own collection, library layout, call numbers, and curriculum.

Library Media Connection Review:
This is a valuable turnkey teaching tool for media specialists -- especially those with little time to prepare lesson plans. Highly recommended.

The Plagiarism Plague

Bowman, Vibiana, ed. The Plagiarism Plague: A Resource Guide and CD-ROM Tutorial for Educators and Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2004. ISBN 1-55570-501-4

Having problems with student plagiarism, whether students flat out call someone else's work their own or don't cite sources properly? This comprehensive title can help. It is aimed at high school and college audiences and covers everything from understanding how and why students plagiarize to offering approaches and resources to curb the problem. -- Jen

School Library Journal Review
This compilation of chapters by various contributors runs the gamut from philosophical musings to practical tips and advice. The writings in Part I deal with understanding the problem, its causes, and challenges in a technological society in which paper mills and other easy fixes are readily available to students. A special focus on the challenges for ESL students is included. Part II supplies ideas for combating plagiarism. Instructional, administrative, and cultural changes within the academic community are suggested. Techniques for teaching citations, the principles of academic honesty, definitions of intellectual property, and an annotated bibliography of professional resources are included in Part III. Each chapter concludes with a "Works Cited" section of current resources. An accompanying CD-ROM provides a quick way to access the numerous Web sites listed in the title, a way to view and use the sample tutorials, and the ability to insert the files provided to create new materials. This excellent title will appeal to educators at both the secondary and post-secondary levels who are interested in better understanding the problem and taking the practical strategies needed to combat it.-Beth Jones, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY