This section provides selected readings on academic literacies generally, and on individual types or categories of competencies, including information literacy, reading skills and writing skills.
Academic Literacies | Information Literacy | Reading Skills | Writing Skills |
We welcome recommendations from York instructors for articles, books or other resources that should be added to what's here. Please contact askspark@yorku.ca with suggestions.
Resources in SPARK are available as Word files that can be modified for a particular course.
Quizzes for each of the SPARK modules are available as Word files, via the SPARK Moodle course, or as XML files that can be integrated into an existing Moodle course.
Subject librarians are available to advise course instructors on effective pedagogical approaches for developing students’ critical thinking about information and the information-seeking process, including the ability to find, retrieve, evaluate, analyze, use and cite information. They are also available to provide tailored course-specific information literacy sessions on request.
See Faculty/Instructor Support, Book a Library Class
Writing Department: York instructors can direct students to the Writing Centre (a division within the Writing Department) for help with academic writing. Assistance is available through appointments with writing tutors, small-group workshops, or online writing help (e-Tutor). In addition to offering credit courses, the Writing Department can be contacted by York instructors wishing to organize a tailored course-related writing-focussed session.
Learning Skills Services staff is available to consult with faculty, T.A.'s, staff or student groups about Learning Skills. On a limited first-come, first-served basis, a Learning Skills Specialist can visit individual classes or other campus events to provide sessions on academic skills. For more information, contact them at 416-736-5297.