Bridge Building, Intersectionality and Inclusion
Workshop
Ingrid Ruffin
Student Success Coordinator
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Charissa Powell, MLS
Student Success Librarian
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Lizeth Zepeda, MLIS
Diversity Resident Librarian
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
This presentation will provide attendees with background information on feminist theory, critical theory, and literary theory. The presenters are heavily influenced by the following work in Feminist pedagogy for library instruction by Maria T. Accardi:
“Feminist pedagogy is an approach to teaching that is concerned with gender injustice and other inequalities. Through student-centered teaching strategies, feminist teachers seek to raise the consciousness of their students regarding oppression and empower their students to take action. In short, feminist pedagogy is a form of critical pedagogy, which is education for social change” (2013).
The presenters will define the following concepts during their session: feminist theory, critical theory, literary theory, and inclusive space. Attendees would leave the session knowing practical examples of how to incorporate these theories into their teaching practice. For example, a simple change could be introducing yourself with your pronouns when teaching.
The topic of these theories in regards to library instruction is important in order to create a space that provides equal opportunities for everyone to learn without fear. A student might fear being misgendered or be triggered by a librarian using the search term “illegal.”
At the beginning of this session, the presenters will establish ground rules with the group. For example:
One person speaks at a time.
Use the technology available to you or ask if you need a laptop.
If someone doesn’t understand a phrase, make sure to ask for clarification!
As instruction librarians, the presenters would use some of the time to include active learning techniques.The presenters would gauge the level of prior knowledge about this subject from the audience by doing an icebreaker activity. We would ask attendees to think/pair/share with their neighbor about “what interested you about this workshop and what are you hoping to learn?”
Since this has been a new trend in library instruction, presenters will make sure to include time for reflection, debrief and discuss the potential for growth in this area. The presenters will make available to attendees a resource page and powerpoint for anyone who is interested in learning more.