All posts by Ryan

New Year, New Possibilities

It is only 2 days into the new year, but that might as well be 2 months when committing to new habits. Whether or not you have already delayed your resolution for another taste, one thing is for sure: There is no need to let personal investments hinge on the ceremony of an arbitrary calendar day. We’ve curated a small collection of books that might help your expectations and goals cooperate longer than you do with that last slice of vice. Get a jump on the upcoming semester and stop by Fort Wayne Ivy Tech Library today to explore both your personal and academic possibilities!

New Books: Race Relations

“A valuable guide . . . While especially helpful for those new to the critical analysis of whiteness, this work also offers a useful refresher to anyone committed to the ongoing process of self-assessment and anti-oppression work.” (Library Journal)

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo: HT1521 .D486 2018

The history and contributions of African Americans in northeast Indiana have been largely overlooked. This new publication, African Americans in Fort Wayne: The First 200 Years, does not claim to be a definitive history of the topic. It does, however, recognize and honor the pioneers who have made the African-American community in Fort Wayne what it is today.

African Americans in Fort Wayne : The First 200 Years by Dodie Marie Miller: F534.F7 M647 2000

New Books: College Teaching and Learning

“Every college professor should read this book. It is useful, accessible, lively, and humorous. It is not ideological or pedantic, but is instead a practical guide to becoming a better professor for those of us who never desired to read a book about pedagogy.” (David Arnold, Columbia Basin College)

Geeky Pedagogy: A Guide for Intellectuals, Introverts, and Nerds Who Want to Be Effective Teachers by Jessamyn Neuhaus: LB2331 .N424 2019

“Gooblar adds his voice to a growing chorus questioning the absence of systematic pedagogical training of the professoriate in higher education. With deep empathy for emerging educators and an unwavering focus on students, Gooblar offers a guide towards cultivating a collaborative, active, and inclusive classroom.” (Kimberly Tanner, San Francisco State University)

The Missing Course: Everything They Never Taught You about College Teaching by David Gooblar: LB1778 .G655 2019

Cheating in College is a valuable read that allows educators of all disciplines to gain much-needed insight into the numerous complex issues related to student cheating. It also offers readers concrete and easy to follow tips on how to work to reduce the prevalence of cheating in their classrooms and campuses.” (Academy of Management Learning & Education)

Cheating in College: Why Students Do It and What Educators Can Do about it by Donald L. McCabe, Kenneth D. Butterfield, Linda K. Trevino: LB3609 .M27 2017

“This powerful book beautifully merges data and anecdote to explain that for far too many, college is not a gateway, but a trap. We as a society can and must do better, and The College Dropout Scandal shows us how.” (Wes Moore, bestselling author)

The College Dropout Scandal by David Kirp: LC148.15 .K57 2019

“For anyone teaching online—novice or seasoned—Small Teaching Online is a must-read! Darby expertly combines educational research and her expertise as an instructional designer to suggest practical solutions to challenges faced in the online environment in bite-sized chunks that don’t overwhelm.” (Mel Young, Teaching and Learning Innovation Hub, Cambrian College)

Small Teaching Online: Applying Learning Sciences in Online Classes by Flower Darby: LB1028.5 .D322 2019

New Culinary Books

Enjoy biscuits and cakes, puddings and pies, from romance and comedy through to horror and science fiction, and discover fun, edible versions of your favorite novels.

Scone with the Wind: Cakes & Bakes with a Literary Twist by Miss Victoria Sponge: TX771 .S366 2015

“Jenny’s creative cookie designs are achievable, yet impressive. Jenny always delivers when it comes to creating eye-catching and delicious treats that everyone can enjoy.” (Desiree Smith, Wilton Brands)

Cookie Class: 120 Irresistible Decorating Ideas for Any Occasion by Jenny Keller: TX772 .K39 2019

“A fascinating read full of delicious detail. Claire Stewart explores the diversity of American wedding food and wedding feast traditions.” (Vicki Howard, visiting fellow, University of Essex)

As Long As We Both Shall Eat: A History of Wedding Food and Feasts by Claire Stewart: GT2690 .S74 2017

“What a joy this is for hungry readers everywhere: stylish, fun and clever. If there is comfort food, there is also comfort reading, and The Little Library Cookbook is it.” (Bee Wilson)

The Little Library Cookbook: 100 Recipes from Your Favorite Books by Kate Young: TX714 .Y687 2017

The Big Book of Amazing Cakes brings the magic of The Great British Baking Show to your kitchen with easy-to-follow recipes for every shape, size and delicious flavor of cake you can imagine.

The Great British Baking Show: The Big Book of Amazing Cakes by The Baking Show Team: TX771 .B535 2019

Welcome to the amazing world of pigfiteroles in mud, koala macarons, and the enchanting cat paradise cake… It’s time to infuse your baking with a sprinkle of glitter and a menagerie of cute creatures with the help of Kim-Joy–finalist on Great British Bake Off and America’s Great British Baking Show!

Baking with Kim-Joy: Cute and Creative Bakes to Make You Smile by Kim-Joy: TX771 .B355 2019

New Books on Education

“With its inviting tone and straightforward advice, 33 Simple Steps for Faculty is the rare combination of useful and user-friendly. For faculty who feel like their time is stretched more than ever, Nunn provides excellent strategies with which professors can help students succeed.” (Jessica Wilkerson, Center for the Study of Southern Culture, University of Mississippi)

33 Simple Strategies for Faculty by Lisa M. Nunn: LB2343.32 .N86 2019

“As an expert in the cognitive science of learning and an award-winning educator, Miller is well-poised to bridge the gap between science and practice. Minds Online translates principles and findings from cognitive science into concrete, actionable tips and recommendations for educators trying to incorporate technology into their teaching. This is a terrific book.” (Sean Kang, Dartmouth College)

Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology by Michelle D. Miller: LB1028.5 .M548 2016

“An essential, compelling and practical examination of the relationship between culture and cognition that will forever transform how we think about our role facilitating the learning of other people’s children – and our own children!” (LaShawn Route Chatmon, Executive Director, National Equity Project)

Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond: LC1099.3 .H335 2015

“Overall, Faculty Development in the Age of Evidence is an essential resource for the field of faculty development and for the higher education sector. Beach and colleagues provide an updated examination of the status of the field, and create meaningful arguments in favor of continually strengthening faculty development. Beyond that, the book asks important questions for practitioners to reflect and act upon, in order to continue evolving the field of faculty development and the overall impact of higher education in society.” (Teachers College Record)

Faculty Development in the Age of Evidence: Current Practices, Future Imperatives by Andrea L. Beach, Mary Deane Sorcinelli, Ann E. Austin, and Jaclyn K. Rivard: LB2331.7.B43 2016

“This brilliant book that presents a comprehensive look at the concerns about student loan debt, the employment rate of college graduates, and the viability of institutions of higher learning. Tiffany Mfume does an amazing job of offering a thoroughly researched perspective on this landscape and answers the question most inquisitive minds want to know: ‘Is a college degree really worth it?'” (Heidi M. Anderson, president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore)

The College Completion Glass–Half-full or Half-Empty? Exploring the Value of Postsecondary Education by Tiffany Beth Mfume: LC148.2 .M48 2019

“This book makes a compelling case for adopting universal design in all postsecondary offerings in order to support a diverse educational community and an inclusive approach to academic excellence. There is something here for everyone.”
(Michael K. Young, president, Texas A&M University)

Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice 2nd Edition by Sheryl E. Burgstahler: LC4818.38 .U55 2015

December 2019 CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Fly!

By Mark Teague
Call Number: PIC TEA
View in IvyCat

Mama bird wants Baby bird to learn to fly so he can migrate with the rest of the flock, but Baby bird would rather go by hot air balloon or car instead.

Home in the Woods

By Eliza Wheeler
Call Number: PIC WHE
View in IvyCat

During the Great Depression six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mother find a tar-paper shack in the woods and, over the course of a year, turn it into a home.

16 Words: William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow”

By Lisa Rogers
Call Number: PS3545 .I544 Z876 2019
View in IvyCat

This is the story of great American poet William Carlos Williams and how being mindful can result in the creation of a great poem like “The Red Wheelbarrow.”

Just in Case You Want to Fly

By Julie Fogliano
Call Number: PIC FOG
View in IvyCat

Just in case you want to fly, here’s some wind, and here’s the sky.

It’s a Round, Round World!

By Ellie Peterson
Call Number: QB286 .P48 2019
View in IvyCat

Join intrepid young scientist-adventurer, Joulia Copernicus as she takes readers on a historical journey through time and space.

Bruce’s Big Fun Day

By Ryan T. Higgins
Call Number: PIC HIG
View in IvyCat

Nibbs the mouse wants to give Bruce the bear a Big Fun Day, but unfortunately grumpy Bruce does not like fun.

Mr. Scruff

By Simon James
Call Number: PIC JAM
View in IvyCat

Poor Mr. Scruff, alone in the rescue shelter, doesn’t belong to anyone. Jim and Mr. Scruff don’t look anything alike, and their names certainly don’t rhyme, but they may end up belonging to each other just the same.

Universal Human Rights Month

Following the atrocities of the Second World War, precedents were set to prevent a third. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly codified one such precedent: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document consists of 30 articles intended to define and represent the rights and dignity everyone is entitled to share.

In 2001, the anniversary of the declaration was expanded into a week-long holiday. In recent years, that holiday grew to span the entire month of December. Ideally, the declaration would foster a year-round practice. Until then, even when faced with opposition, consider representing the best in all of us by embracing our shared humanity. After all, we already know that–regardless of our race, religion, culture, or beliefs–more is shared between us than divides.

Further Reading:

Documents used to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
Celebrating its 10th anniversary December 1, 2019!

Global Bioethics and Human Rights: contemporary issues
Available at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Library!

The Paris Agreement : climate change, solidarity, and human rights
Find more eBooks on Ivy Tech Library’s catalog website, IvyCat!

Taking Sides in Peacekeeping: impartiality and the future of the United Nations
Request this and other books found at Ivy Tech libraries outside Fort Wayne here with our Interlibrary Loan service!


A Brief Guide to Help Finish Your Paper

Imagine, if you will, you have a paper due tomorrow. The paper will not only decide whether you pass the class; the class is contingent upon your graduation. To make matters worse, despite your desperate situation, the paper’s subject only encourages you to procrastinate, and you have convinced yourself that the increasing pressure to finish will help you focus in the two hours before the paper needs to be submitted. Maybe your situation is not this dire, but it may feel that way. Here are some tips to make starting or finishing a little less panic inducing.

  1. As long as it is within the boundaries of your assignment, write the paper that would capture your attention. Keep it academic, but take liberties; tell a story with your thesis; get creative. Think about why you are not connecting to the subject and use your perspective as a way to critically analyze the topic.
  2. Collect your sources ahead of time. Even if you have yet to write anything else, add all the references you intend to include in your paper. Think about how each reference supports your thesis and organize them accordingly throughout what will be your introduction, body, and conclusion. All you would need to do is then combine and support each with your own ideas.
  3. Remember how relieved you were when you last finished a paper? The final product might have even impressed you. It was not a fluke. The same prospects apply this time. Don’t let pressure cloud your impression. You wrote that paper, and you will do it again.

If preparation is less of a problem for you, but you would like to improve your writing, the following titles might interest you. Thanks to the library’s collection of eBooks, you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to benefit from our selection.

10 Steps to Successful Business Writing, 2nd Edition
The Student Guide to Writing
Seven Steps to Confident Writing
Writing Fantastic Fiction

Find those and other books on any academic subject you need through Ivy Tech Library’s catalog database, IvyCat!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

This November, please join us in celebrating Native American heritage!

Help us tell all Americans’ stories. Of the many Native Americans spotlighted at Ivy Tech Library, the three below are often regarded as exceptional. Stop by this month to collect one of their bookmarks!

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
U.S. Senator

Born in 1933 of a Portuguese immigrant mother and Northern Cheyenne father, Campbell is one of 44 chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He earned a degree in physical education and fine arts after serving in the U.S. Air force from 1951-1953. He served in the Colorado State Legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1987. He won his bid to become a senator in 1992 and won re-election in 1998.

Henry, C. Ben Nighthorse Campbell: Cheyenne Chief and U.S. Senator. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House, 1994.

Maria Tallchief
Prima Ballerina

From 1947 to 1960, Maria Tallchief performed with the New York City Ballet, gaining prima ballerina status. Later she danced with the American Ballet Theatre, returning to the New York City Ballet in 1963 until her retirement in 1965. But she didn’t retire from dance. She directed the Lyric Opera Ballet of Chicago and founded the Chicago City Ballet in 1981. She was the latter’s artistic director through 1987.

Tallchief, Maria and Kaplan, L. Maria Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina. New York: Henry Holt, 1997.

Winona LaDuke
Activist, Author

A member of the Anishinaabeg (Ojibew) tribe, Winona LaDuke’s activism dates back to her teens. At age 18 she spoke before the United Nations about Indian issues. While at Harvard earning an economics degree, she worked with grassroots Native American organizations in various states. After graduation, she moved to the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota, where she lives today with her family.

LaDuke, Winona. All Our Relations: Native Struggles for Land and Life. Cambridge, Mass.: South End Press, 1999. Ms. Magazine, April/May 2001, pp. 46-53.

Find the following eBooks on Ivy Tech Library’s catalog website, IvyCat!

I am where I come from: Native American college students and graduates tell their life stories

Plundered Skulls and Stolen Spirits: Inside the Fight to Reclaim Native America’s Culture

Indigenous Pop: Native American Music from Jazz to Hip Hop

Follow the official celebration here: