Critical information literacy and transformative learning theory grow from the same roots: Both are founded in examinations of power structures, critiques of cultural systems, and aims of emancipation. However, librarians haven't considered whether transformative learning theory can support critical practices in our teaching, nor have we explored how critical library instruction can shape our own transformative experiences around who we are as educators. In this session, we'll connect these complementary theoretical approaches to consider our instructional identities in more critical ways, create conditions where students may experience perspective transformation, and provide pathways for true and meaningful praxis.
Participants will be able to:
- Define critical librarianship, critical information literacy, transformative learning, and perspective transformation
- Explain how we can connect transformative learning theory to critical librarianship and critical information literacy approaches in meaningful ways
- Identify one concept they can integrate into their praxis with the goal of promoting critical and transformative learning experiences
