Fu Zhuo presented "Fu Can Cook" at WILU in Regina last week. I was very curious to see how he would link cooking techniques with library instruction.
He suggests that higher student engagement can occur when an instructor is effectively able to make an association between something that the student knows already, in this case Chinese food, and then inserts the unknown, in this case library instruction, into the 'mix'.
Personally I am intrigued by the use of metaphor and analogy in instruction as it oftens makes a memorable connection for the student. I am aware of the comparison of research databases to department stores as an excellent way to describe general reference and subject specific resources.
Zhuo suggests that the benefits of using analogy in instruction is that it enriches and promotes diversity in teaching and in practice. Yet, library instructors are challenged with ensuring that they are using concrete examples that will appeal to their audience.
I believe that his cooking analogy has an additional benefit as it challenges the student's perception of libraries and librarians. The student becomes part of the instructional conversation.
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