Meeting #19: Critical Thinking Skills and Historical Research Instruction

When: Monday, February 8, 4-5 PM.

Where: SML 409

Text under discussion:

Robyns, Marcus C., "The Archivist as Educator: Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into Historical Research Methods Instruction," The American Archivist 64 (Fall/Winter 2001): 363-384.

Link to PDF: robyns.pdf

Abstract:

The notion of teaching historical methods using archival objects is well articulated in the article “The Archivist as Educator: Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into Historical Research Methods Instruction” by Marcus C. Robyns. Robyns provides a thorough introduction to educational theory on critical thinking skills and then illustrates the integration of these skills into a historical research methods course at Northern Michigan University. There is ample evidence within this article of how primary sources guide students to higher order cognition, including the notion that “primary sources are themselves subjective in nature, their use in the research process requires the application of critical thinking skills. Here, the archivist can make a real difference in education by guiding students through the process of critical analysis, making the archives not only a repository of the past but also a challenging center of critical inquiry.”

What role do we think the archivist/librarian should play in fostering critical thinking skills in students? Are critical thinking skills the domain of the faculty? How can we integrate educational theory into our interactions with students and faculty?

Discussion leader:

Barbara Rockenbach