SEC: Tip on Freshman Orientation

[Cheri Quillin <cquillin@LAMAR.K12.MO.US>]

Dear Colleagues,
        I'm really late doing Freshman Orientation this year as the new computer
network has been difficult to get going!  So just finished a new method
used as intro. activity. It was so smooth I thought I would presume to
share. My pet peeve is with unnecessary questions from students such as,
"Where are the tissues?" (Most FAQ in my library!) so I devised what I call
the "Duh Test".
        My objectives for the lesson (90 min. block in my school) were: 1. To
introduce basic LMC management information.  2. To involve students in
critical thinking activity. 3. To establish a quiet, attentive atmosphere.
When students arrived, they were given test with explanation that they
could move about the library searching for answers for the next 35 min.
with the understanding that talking (at all) was cheating and the teacher
or I would immediately deduct 10 points from test paper. Wow! Was it fun to
watch the little darlin's quietly searching and working so very diligently!
Questions ranged from "Should you put your feet on the chairs?" to
arranging a series of call numbers. I attached a map on which they located
certain items.
        The next 25 minutes were lecture - during which they could fill in
information as I provided it.  Then the last 35 minutes were spent
finishing test and leisure reading/browsing (still no talking!). This was
the most successful & easy lesson I've ever done, and I'm sure they learned
more by finding things for themselves.
        Wish me luck for tomorrow and Friday.  I will be using PC/TV viewer to
demonstrate our reference CD-ROMs and Elect. Library, along with going over
various print references. Then they each will get an individual set of
questions (no two alike-cheating impossible!) to learn use of our reference
materials....sort of like a scavenger hunt...I've used this before, and
they think it is a real "killer".
        If any of you want to see my "Duh" test, just let me know, and I'll paste
it in email to you! - Also love hearing your great ideas!

Cheri Quillin, Information Specialist (aka - Librarian)
Lamar HS Library
503 Maple St.
Lamar, MO 64759
cquillin@lamar.k12.mo.us

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