Tutor profile: Karen H.

How do you write professional annual goals?

SMART Goals are a great way to guide goal setting for annual performance goals. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But be careful not to paint yourself into a corner or make goals on things you cannot control. It is also wise to leave room to exceed the goal. For example, a goal to present unique research at a conference within the year is outside of the goal-setters control, instead the goal that is attainable is to apply to present unique research at a conference. This way, having a proposal rejected, which is outside of the goal setter's control, does not lead to failure. This goal is also capable of being exceeded by presenting multiple times.

How do you conduct a reference interview?

The reference interview is vital to good service. It is a balance between asking clarifying questions to fully understand what the patron is seeking and not asking so many questions that it feels like an interrogation. While the method may vary depending on the delivery mode (in-person, telephone, email, or chat), it is important to also encourage the patron with positive feedback. Phrases such as "thank you for clarifying" and "that sound like an interesting topic. tell me more about what you hope to find" are integral to a successful reference interview. Sometimes even the best librarian cannot anticipate the twists and turns an research inquiry can make, so good humor, patience, and honesty are essential. Sample Patron: Hello. I would like information about black panthers Librarian: Sounds interesting. What would you like to know about them? Patron: Just general information Librarian: So that I am clear, are we talking about the animal or the political group or something else? Patron: The political movement. I have to write a paper about something controversial Librarian: Thank you for clarifying! Did you have a controversy in mind, or are you hoping to do a bit of reading and then narrow it down as you go? Patron: I just know they're controversial because of a movie I watched. Librarian: Great! We'll start with some background information and then move on to some specific resources that you can use on your paper.

Students are reluctant to participate in classroom discussion. Choose two possible strategies to increase participation and justify your answer.

Think-pair-share is an excellent activity for classes where students may be shy or apprehensive to share their thoughts with the full group. Students begin by thinking about a question or topic of a designated about of time and then pair-up with a classmate and discuss their thoughts. In a particularly hesitant group, an additional layer of pairing (groups of four made-up of two pairs) can be used to solidify thoughts and increase confidence. In the final stage, share, a representative from each group can elect to share the pair or group's thoughts. Students who would not normally speak-up in class of their own volition are engaged in discussion and have their thoughts heard. Additionally, the instructor can circulate throughout the room during the "pair" phase and encourage pairs to share their thoughts with the full group, or draw on the thought without cold calling to try to solicit discussion from unwilling participants. Facilitate discussion in an open, welcoming environment. Often the reluctance for participation from students is environmental. Students may feel intimidated or uncomfortable speaking-up in class. The instructor should prepare themselves and the students by learning student names, making expectations and guidelines clear, listening with full attention, emphasizing and encouraging student ideas, and giving thoughtful and specific responses to student contributions. Additionally, the instructor should craft discussion topics to be open ended so that students have room to give their thoughts and ideas, not merely repeat or agree with the lecture.