As a Middle and Upper School Librarian at Shipley, one of the most crucial aspects of my role involves supporting students in the development of critical thinking and information literacy skills and helping them navigate the complex and confusing landscape of online information. In an effort to reach as many students as possible, I have been partnering with teachers across all disciplines to integrate library research into their course projects, allowing time for formal information literacy instruction. This involves guiding students in evaluating sources and discerning credible information, with a focus on authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and relevance. The goal here is to empower students to make informed decisions about the reliability of the information they encounter.
A key part of teaching information literacy is instilling in students the habit of questioning what they find online, encouraging a reflective approach to information consumption. This critical mindset is crucial for identifying and challenging misinformation. Mere fact-checking is no longer sufficient; there is a need to analyze online content for bias and uncover potential misinformation tactics hidden within the text. We need to talk to our students about how biases can influence information and underscore the importance of recognizing and understanding various perspectives.
Equipping students with the tools needed to discern credible information from misinformation is no easy task. Recent studies show that the majority of teens and young adults get their news from social media, many citing TikTok as their main source for information (Pew Research Center). My primary area of instruction revolves around academic research, where the influence of social media is not a significant factor. Fortunately, the information literacy skills we cultivate at Shipley extend beyond the classroom and have real-world applications.
Real-Life Learning
In 6th grade SEED, I did a lesson that I like to call “Plagiarism in the Real World,” where I show the class examples of copyright issues that involve popular culture. In my experience, framing these important and often challenging topics in a fun, can you believe it?! way helps kids develop a deeper understanding of what’s really at stake here. I can teach them the fundamentals of copyright all day long, but showing them a fake Vogue with Drake on the cover has them talking about it with their friends, thinking about why it matters.
In 9th grade History, I had the chance to introduce a few library database and search tips to help the students with a research paper. Part of my presentation included a discussion on evaluating websites. I showed the class a few sites and asked them to try and quickly determine if they were trustworthy after just a cursory inspection. I choose websites that I know will be tricky—some look amateurish and silly but have quality information, and others look sleek and professional but do not include any information on the author or publisher. This is always a fun exercise because, more often than not, they guess wrong and we start clicking our way through the site to look for clues.
The Upper School Honors Jazz Combo, directed by saxophonist Chris Oatts, is Shipley's premier music ensemble and reflects Shipley's dedication to excellence in the arts. The group continually impresses audiences and serves as a pinnacle experience in Shipley's musical learning community.
Shipley's Director of Libraries, Jennifer Phiambolis, collaborates with teachers to integrate library research into course projects, fostering students' critical thinking and information literacy skills. This approach empowers students to discern credible information and challenge online misinformation.
"Within this [Summer/Fall 2023] issue of Shipley Magazine, we highlight some of the work that has been done in recent years in support of the goals laid out in Vision 20/26. Our progress would be impressive in any light, but accomplishing what we have while navigating a pandemic is nothing short of remarkable."
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley's strategic plan focuses on equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This article delves into how the history curriculum embraces diverse perspectives, promotes global thinking, and offers experiential learning, ultimately fostering students' ability to engage compassionately and lead effectively.
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become global citizens and compassionate participants in the world. This article explores how Shipley's special programs and partnerships facilitate hands-on, impactful learning opportunities, fostering cross-cultural insights, and making a positive impact in local and global communities.
For over 30 years, Shipley has been at the forefront of nurturing students' social and emotional well-being through its pioneering SEED program. This article explores the program's origins, evolution, and its global influence, highlighting Shipley's commitment to fostering well-rounded, empathetic, and emotionally resilient students in pursuit of educational excellence.
Shipley's commitment to educational excellence extends to cultivating a sense of belonging within its diverse community. This article delves into how Shipley has embraced its DEI Strategic Plan, celebrating diversity, providing professional development, and creating affinity spaces to foster inclusivity and unity.
This exploration of Shipley's Strategic Plan Goal #1: Educational Excellence focuses on enhancing student engagement and leadership by investing in professional development for teachers. This article sheds light on how dedicated educators at Shipley continue to learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of best practices to provide students with the highest quality education.
At Shipley, a thriving sense of community is central to the School's mission. This article highlights some of the initiatives and events that have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant culture of pride, engagement, and commitment among students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School, all in line with Goal 2 of Shipley's Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
At the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, Shipley’s commitment to excellence was on full display through the prize-winning work of the Sprouts, Upper School Horticultural Ecology students, and the Middle School Gardening Club. Shipley alumni also made their mark, with Betsy Hastings Block ’83 and Laura Butera '08 contributing in big ways to the event's success.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
The Shipley Honors Combo won first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the National Jazz Festival, held April 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Trumpeter Aidan Peterson ‘24 won an Outstanding Musician Award and also earned the Judge’s Choice Award.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
Honorary alumnus and former Latin teacher David Rich inspired Shipley students for close to three decades. Since retiring in 2021, he has immersed himself in Great Barrington's artistic community, rekindling his love for the piano and transforming Cicero's 'The Dream of Scipio' into a captivating play.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.