Kelly Myer Polacek, MS, MLS, ELS
Assistant Professor, Montana State University Library
Wikipedia Campus Ambassador, WikiMedia Foundation
Editor, Alert Collector, Reference & User Services Quarterly
Education
| Certified Life Sciences Editor | Board of Editors in the Life Sciences | 2010 |
| Master of Library Science | Indiana University, Bloomington | 2006 |
| Post-graduate studies in Neuroscience | Indiana University, Bloomington | 2003 |
| Master of Science, Biology | California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | 1996 |
| Bachelor of Science, Biology | University of Portland, Oregon | 1996 |
Research Focus
Current research interests include: 1) quantifying student learning in information literacy courses using gain scores (Hake 1998); 2) exploring the role of Wikipedia as a teaching and learning tool in college classroom environments ; 3) understanding college student cognitive development as it relates to the ability to apply higher order thinking to academic challenges (Bloom, 1956); 4) mixed methods analysis of learning objectives across and within disciplines as they address Bloom's Taxonomy (1956).
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Teaching Philosophy
I employ diverse pedagogical techniques when designing educational experiences that maximize student learning. I seek to create opportunities for students to practice advanced critical thinking in both new and unfamiliar disciplines and their areas of expertise. I implement frequent formative and summative assessments and offer students a variety of options by which they can demonstrate their learning. I consider myself a facilitator of student learning and design student-centered courses that create discovery and ownership opportunities for students.
