Teaching Tips and Resources for Librarians

Before Class

• Schedule ample set-up time prior to your class. Test your technology, arrange the room, and give yourself time to transition from whatever you were doing before teaching.
• Greet students as they come into the classroom. Consider playing music or a video as students come in, or have a question on the whiteboard they can respond to.
• Check in with the faculty, confirm what time the class is normally dismissed and if the faculty needs any time for announcements.

During Class

• Avoid using too much jargon or "library-speak".
• Keep in mind your vocal pacing and projection.
• Try not to stand in the same place the whole time; move around the room when possible.

After Class

• Make sure students know how to get in touch with you and other ways that they can get help.
• Follow up with the faculty after the session.
• Take a moment to reflect on the session. What went well? What could be improved for next time?

Consider inviting someone to observe you while teaching. This can be a great learning experience, as peer observers can offer valuable feedback on your practice. Feel free to contact a TLS Librarian if you would like to schedule an observation. 

Keep these tips and strategies in mind to ensure that all students can fully participate in the class.

• Use visual aids, such as images, diagrams, projections, or demonstrations.
• Describe visuals, including images, diagrams, and poll results.
• Give both written and verbal instructions and explanations.
• Provide a handout or online guide that summarizes the content presented and includes directions to repeat the skills/steps that were demonstrated.
• Use video captioning and/or provide transcripts of videos
• Plan active learning components.
• Give the option to work in groups or individually.
• Take pauses for processing and questions and repeat key concepts several times.
• Include both conceptual and concrete information. Connect abstract ideas with real-world examples.

Check out Tulane University's Accessible Syllabus for further information and resources on classroom accessibility.