Monday, 27 July 2009
505 beginning cataloguing
Back to the grindstone. I guess a very technical part of the course. Do see it is being logical and for the most part, necessary. A good catalogue makes searching for information so much easier!! Stating the obvious perhaps but am teaching a generation that relies on google.
Friday, 3 July 2009
3rd July 2009 PASSED
Recieved assignment 2 today. Was stunned at the result - a Distinction. Was so concerned by the possibility of a failure. This means I have passed the whole subject. What a relief but more importantly, gives me confidence to continue.
Am reading amongst other books,
Fighting Talk - Graeme Donald - military origins of everyday words and phrases - really is interesting to find how many words or phrases have come into use through some connetion with military events or incidents.
Speaking our language - Bruce Moore - attached to ANU is the author and in the alumni mag he writes of words and their meanings in SAE. Very interesting as well - do enjoy reading about our language - it is afterall, a living tool.
End with a sigh of relief and might have a glass of the bubbles tonight.
Am reading amongst other books,
Fighting Talk - Graeme Donald - military origins of everyday words and phrases - really is interesting to find how many words or phrases have come into use through some connetion with military events or incidents.
Speaking our language - Bruce Moore - attached to ANU is the author and in the alumni mag he writes of words and their meanings in SAE. Very interesting as well - do enjoy reading about our language - it is afterall, a living tool.
End with a sigh of relief and might have a glass of the bubbles tonight.
Friday, 12 June 2009
ETL 401 Part C where am I now?
Part C
Where am I now in my view of Teacher Librarianship?
At the beginning of the course, I had some idea of the role of the TL in terms of collaboration, promoting literacy and reading and in the general operation of the Library. I’ve looked back at March 15th Interesting Reading and I wrote about the TL being the human element/face of the library. That is one theme of the role that I have continued to believe in. However:
1) Information Literacy skills and process.H Although I have studied ETL501, I am still learning about Information Literacy and Information Literacy Processes. I reflected on Harada, (2004), talking about Information Literacy skills in getting students to examine the real world in their school yard – insects. A few months ago at my school, Transition and Year 1 students, were terrorising Rhino Beetles (killing them). The students were criticised, remonstrated with and punished. Having read Harada, I thought, would it not make more sense to turn the experience of interacting with these creatures into an exercise of examining them, learning about them and appreciating them through Information Literacy Skills Processes. Circumstances are such that it was not possible for me to take a role in the exercise but I certainly considered the possibilities for my own future in the role of TL. Working in a school without an Information Literacy Policy and where teachers are told to “teach research skills”, the readings have been most informative in shaping my knowledge of the role of the TL. Teaching Information Literacy through Resource Based Learning using Information Process Models, would appear to encompass a more effective, progressive and productive means of learning than anything I knew before. The letter mentioned in my previous Blog of 7th June, makes the role of the TL in schools all the more critical.
2) Leadership. I was unaware at the beginning of this course, of the role of TLs as leaders. The readings throughout the course express the importance of the TL as a leader and that leadership is considered to be part of the role of the TL. That the TL should be knowledgeable of the latest information on pedagogy, curriculum development, ICT, having expert knowledge of Information Literacy, to provide professional development to staff on the skills of Information Literacy and Resource Based Learning and to be part of the leadership/management team of the school, is extraordinary on top of the basic running of the Library. The second reading from Covey, (1990), provided some thoughts to consider – that trust is integral in the role of the TL and that being effective is more important than being efficient. My earlier view of the TL would be of an efficient operator of the Library. I view the role now as one of striving to be effective as the human face of the Library, leading the school community to become Information Literate. Todd Gilman’s article was also interesting particularly with reference to collaboration and communication.
3) Collaboration As an ESL teacher I am involved in collaboration with teachers but my current practice is both inclusive and independent . The TLs’ collaborative role is far more complex – being involved in curriculum development, resourcing and implementation of it, teaching with teachers using information literacy processes to undertake research to produce the end product, conducting PD about Information Literacy, being part of the leadership team, serving the school community.
Yvonne Hodgson, Topic 4, 23 May Stripling, Brown, Batz and Rosenberg, summarises the collaborative role of the TL. Mila Nackovski, Topic 5, 31st May, Topic 5 Thoughts, also talks about collaborative practice. Both these forum posts express similar views to my own as I have progressed through the course – collaboration of TL, teachers, principal and all others in the school community makes the school an Information Literacy rich community of students learning how to learn.
I see the role of a TL as one of being the human element of learning in the school: a teacher, collaborator, leader, service provider and above all communicator with all, so that the school community will develop the skills of learning how to learn in a rapidly changing society of the 21st Century. The role of the TL is critical in teaching students how to seek, find and use information in a purposeful and meaningful manner.
References
Covey, S. R. (1990). The Seven habits of highly effective people: restoring the character ethic (Part 2), New York, Simon & Schuster, pp. 165-182
Available from CSU Library Reserve Database
Gilman, Todd. (2007). The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians.
Accessed from: The Chronicle of Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/cgi2bin/printsblr.cgi?article=http://chronic le.com/jobs/news/2009
Retrieved 4th April 2009
Harada, V.H. (2004). Action Research: How teacher-librarians can build evidence of student learning. SCAN, 23, pp. 27-33
Available from CSU Library Reserve Database
http://www.slasa.asn.au/rolestatement.html
Hodgson, Yvonne. (2009). ETL401 Forums posting to Topic 4
Stripling, Brown, Batz and Rosenberg
Nackovski, Mila. (2009). ETL401 Forums posting to Topic 5
Topic 5 Thoughts
P & K Pets. Rhino Beetle Care Info Sheet #20
Available at:
http://www.pkpets.com.au/files/Info%20Sheet%2020%20-%20Rhino%20Beetle.pdf
Accessed on 12th May, 2009
School Library Association of South Australia, (SLASA) (2003). Teacher Librarian Role Statement
Retrieved 24/09/08 from
Young, Fiona. (2009). March 15, June 7, 2009
http://fjy-soggythoughts.blogspot.com/
Where am I now in my view of Teacher Librarianship?
At the beginning of the course, I had some idea of the role of the TL in terms of collaboration, promoting literacy and reading and in the general operation of the Library. I’ve looked back at March 15th Interesting Reading and I wrote about the TL being the human element/face of the library. That is one theme of the role that I have continued to believe in. However:
1) Information Literacy skills and process.H Although I have studied ETL501, I am still learning about Information Literacy and Information Literacy Processes. I reflected on Harada, (2004), talking about Information Literacy skills in getting students to examine the real world in their school yard – insects. A few months ago at my school, Transition and Year 1 students, were terrorising Rhino Beetles (killing them). The students were criticised, remonstrated with and punished. Having read Harada, I thought, would it not make more sense to turn the experience of interacting with these creatures into an exercise of examining them, learning about them and appreciating them through Information Literacy Skills Processes. Circumstances are such that it was not possible for me to take a role in the exercise but I certainly considered the possibilities for my own future in the role of TL. Working in a school without an Information Literacy Policy and where teachers are told to “teach research skills”, the readings have been most informative in shaping my knowledge of the role of the TL. Teaching Information Literacy through Resource Based Learning using Information Process Models, would appear to encompass a more effective, progressive and productive means of learning than anything I knew before. The letter mentioned in my previous Blog of 7th June, makes the role of the TL in schools all the more critical.
2) Leadership. I was unaware at the beginning of this course, of the role of TLs as leaders. The readings throughout the course express the importance of the TL as a leader and that leadership is considered to be part of the role of the TL. That the TL should be knowledgeable of the latest information on pedagogy, curriculum development, ICT, having expert knowledge of Information Literacy, to provide professional development to staff on the skills of Information Literacy and Resource Based Learning and to be part of the leadership/management team of the school, is extraordinary on top of the basic running of the Library. The second reading from Covey, (1990), provided some thoughts to consider – that trust is integral in the role of the TL and that being effective is more important than being efficient. My earlier view of the TL would be of an efficient operator of the Library. I view the role now as one of striving to be effective as the human face of the Library, leading the school community to become Information Literate. Todd Gilman’s article was also interesting particularly with reference to collaboration and communication.
3) Collaboration As an ESL teacher I am involved in collaboration with teachers but my current practice is both inclusive and independent . The TLs’ collaborative role is far more complex – being involved in curriculum development, resourcing and implementation of it, teaching with teachers using information literacy processes to undertake research to produce the end product, conducting PD about Information Literacy, being part of the leadership team, serving the school community.
Yvonne Hodgson, Topic 4, 23 May Stripling, Brown, Batz and Rosenberg, summarises the collaborative role of the TL. Mila Nackovski, Topic 5, 31st May, Topic 5 Thoughts, also talks about collaborative practice. Both these forum posts express similar views to my own as I have progressed through the course – collaboration of TL, teachers, principal and all others in the school community makes the school an Information Literacy rich community of students learning how to learn.
I see the role of a TL as one of being the human element of learning in the school: a teacher, collaborator, leader, service provider and above all communicator with all, so that the school community will develop the skills of learning how to learn in a rapidly changing society of the 21st Century. The role of the TL is critical in teaching students how to seek, find and use information in a purposeful and meaningful manner.
References
Covey, S. R. (1990). The Seven habits of highly effective people: restoring the character ethic (Part 2), New York, Simon & Schuster, pp. 165-182
Available from CSU Library Reserve Database
Gilman, Todd. (2007). The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians.
Accessed from: The Chronicle of Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/cgi2bin/printsblr.cgi?article=http://chronic le.com/jobs/news/2009
Retrieved 4th April 2009
Harada, V.H. (2004). Action Research: How teacher-librarians can build evidence of student learning. SCAN, 23, pp. 27-33
Available from CSU Library Reserve Database
http://www.slasa.asn.au/rolestatement.html
Hodgson, Yvonne. (2009). ETL401 Forums posting to Topic 4
Stripling, Brown, Batz and Rosenberg
Nackovski, Mila. (2009). ETL401 Forums posting to Topic 5
Topic 5 Thoughts
P & K Pets. Rhino Beetle Care Info Sheet #20
Available at:
http://www.pkpets.com.au/files/Info%20Sheet%2020%20-%20Rhino%20Beetle.pdf
Accessed on 12th May, 2009
School Library Association of South Australia, (SLASA) (2003). Teacher Librarian Role Statement
Retrieved 24/09/08 from
Young, Fiona. (2009). March 15, June 7, 2009
http://fjy-soggythoughts.blogspot.com/
Monday, 8 June 2009
Blogging
A few thoughts before I write my final blog for assignment 2.
Have found the whole process of blogging a bit daunting. I think it is a discipline to organise a time each day or every so many days, to add some thoughts to the blog. I find it difficult to actually put thoughts onto a computer - am of the generation of putting pen to paper! I do not have my computer on all the time and am not in a position to just zip over and punch a few lines onto blog. Must see how I can deal with this as the blog is clearly going to continue to be part of the assessment.
Am concerned about the assig 2. Have read SOOOOO much but can't seem to remember anything. I think I will have to learn some lessons from the Info literacy skills process!!!
I guess I am also somewhat Presbyterian in expressing myself for others to witness - others who are unknown and I find that daunting.
Am reading a book call Here Comes Everybody: How change happens when people come together by Clay Shirky, 2009 Penguin England. It's about the fact that communication through technology of various sorts is no longer one to one but involves an audience in numbers many of whom are unknown. Dissmenination of information has reached extraordinay heights and I guess in a nut shell this is where Info lit skills will continue to become critical as time goes on a rapidly, technologically changing world. Provides much food for thought about the role of Teacher Librarians.
Have found the whole process of blogging a bit daunting. I think it is a discipline to organise a time each day or every so many days, to add some thoughts to the blog. I find it difficult to actually put thoughts onto a computer - am of the generation of putting pen to paper! I do not have my computer on all the time and am not in a position to just zip over and punch a few lines onto blog. Must see how I can deal with this as the blog is clearly going to continue to be part of the assessment.
Am concerned about the assig 2. Have read SOOOOO much but can't seem to remember anything. I think I will have to learn some lessons from the Info literacy skills process!!!
I guess I am also somewhat Presbyterian in expressing myself for others to witness - others who are unknown and I find that daunting.
Am reading a book call Here Comes Everybody: How change happens when people come together by Clay Shirky, 2009 Penguin England. It's about the fact that communication through technology of various sorts is no longer one to one but involves an audience in numbers many of whom are unknown. Dissmenination of information has reached extraordinay heights and I guess in a nut shell this is where Info lit skills will continue to become critical as time goes on a rapidly, technologically changing world. Provides much food for thought about the role of Teacher Librarians.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
correction
the address for the letter is as follows:
http://asla.org.au/aslant/files/letter-211107.doc
http://asla.org.au/aslant/files/letter-211107.doc
Doing more research!!!
Have found a paper written by Dianne McKenzie on www.geocitiescom/dimac4/Papers/role_of_teacher_librarian.htm The Dynamic and Unique Role of the Teacher Librarian. This paper written while the author was studying for M.App.Sc in 1999 (updated 2002) is most interesting. It actually may be helping me conceptualise the role of a TL. It puts into perspective the image that most people have of a TL and the reality of the role in the 21st Century. I am going to use this paper to gather my thoughts re the Standards evaluation, amongst other references.
The other peice of information I came across was a letter written in November 2007, to the then Minister of Ed (now Chief Minister and recently reappointed by himself, Min of Ed) (http://asla.org.au/aslant/files/letter_211107.doc.by the president of the NT ASLA, detailing the need to appoint and continue to appoint TLs to schools in the NT. One of the ASLA Standards 3.4 Community Responsibilities is surely at the core of educational needs anywhere but particularly in this end of the country with reference to the need for the development of education in the Indigenous community in a fashion that the Indigenous can relate to. What more appropriate a person to do this than a TL equipped with the skills for ongoing research into the needs of this particular group in our community, to provide information literacy skills learning to assist them in their ability to be part of the wider community?
The other peice of information I came across was a letter written in November 2007, to the then Minister of Ed (now Chief Minister and recently reappointed by himself, Min of Ed) (http://asla.org.au/aslant/files/letter_211107.doc.by the president of the NT ASLA, detailing the need to appoint and continue to appoint TLs to schools in the NT. One of the ASLA Standards 3.4 Community Responsibilities is surely at the core of educational needs anywhere but particularly in this end of the country with reference to the need for the development of education in the Indigenous community in a fashion that the Indigenous can relate to. What more appropriate a person to do this than a TL equipped with the skills for ongoing research into the needs of this particular group in our community, to provide information literacy skills learning to assist them in their ability to be part of the wider community?
Friday, 29 May 2009
Inspired
Spent some time yesterday using internet to search for info on the Big 6. Went to the Big 6 Blog and found some very interesting information from people's comments and opinions including a fascinating point from Mike Eisenberg - is information literacy confined to literacy itself? He gave an interesting response to the question reflecting on its essential meaning. Says he will pursue the idea that information literacy/skills/information problem solving underlies everything we do. I think this point has been inspiring for me to keep going with my learning!
Monday, 25 May 2009
A pass
Have just passed (as in only just) the first assignment. OK! That will do for me.
Having studied ETL 501 before 401, I am at least finding the knowledge I learned in that unit to be very useful in 401. I know that there is more that I can do but at least I am finding that I appear to be using the knowledge gained from 501 more as I go through this course. I think, given that I am studying in a linear manner ( one unit per semester), that I can only gain in useful knowledge by applying what I learnt last semester to the next. At least that is the theory!
Having studied ETL 501 before 401, I am at least finding the knowledge I learned in that unit to be very useful in 401. I know that there is more that I can do but at least I am finding that I appear to be using the knowledge gained from 501 more as I go through this course. I think, given that I am studying in a linear manner ( one unit per semester), that I can only gain in useful knowledge by applying what I learnt last semester to the next. At least that is the theory!
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Reality check
Having just spent time reading forums and realising that I have not been using this blog for its real purpose, here we go.
I am not answering part C but am just as befuddled as some in this course - I also have not received assignment 1 while others have and therefore am wondering what has happened.
How am I going with my understanding of a TL's role?
Unforutnately I have spent more time bemoaning the fact that there is no TL at my own school and that while senior management is present, there won't be.
I am not answering part C but am just as befuddled as some in this course - I also have not received assignment 1 while others have and therefore am wondering what has happened.
How am I going with my understanding of a TL's role?
Unforutnately I have spent more time bemoaning the fact that there is no TL at my own school and that while senior management is present, there won't be.
What did I know at the beginning of ETL401? - that is tricky because I have already done ETL501 - that was my first unit - therefore I already have some knowledge of searching the internet and the role of the TL in ICT. Therefore What did I know at the beginning of 401?
- information about the PLUS model by James Herring - primarily for secondary students but I feel it could be adapted for primary which is where I am right now.
- TL's role in assisting subject specialist or classroom teachers with research
- TL's role in collaborating with teachers to provide the means to enable students to research to produce results which are most agreeable to student/teacher/wider school community
What else?
- TL being the human face of the Library (or whatever it may be called in any educational institution.
- TL role in providing advice on best reading material for leisure or for research.
- TL role in administrative area of operation of Library.
What about now?
- The history of TL in Australia (Topic 1) really surprised me - had no idea what was going on in federal govt. while I was at school. Why did the good intentions not progress?
- Information literacy skills and school community - so much to do here in my own school - knowing about info skills being critical and knowing that my school does not have a policy of this nature - much has been learned and much to do to try and encourage implementation - one step at a time I guess.
- Curriculum and Collaboration - learned much more in these areas - clearly collaborating with teachers in areas of the curriuclum would make life so much easier for the school community.
- Leadership - probably the trickiest area - I am not a born leader - this would require more learning and probably support from my peers!
- Lastly very definitely did not know much at all about the information process models other than PLUS. Amount of info overwhelming but interesting. Like the Big 6 and Super 3.
Feel so much more to learn am finding it a struggle with everything else in my life. Also do feel that changes happening in my teaching role at school are impeding my ability to concentrate on course - I guess there is a lot I can learn about critically thinking about my situation and overcoming the circumstances hopefully to my benefit!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Have spent so much time reading. Have come to the conclusion that whatever results I actually get in my assignments, I am still learning about the role of TL. I don't have a TL in my school who could guide me and, as said before, the role is not valued in my school by the prinicpal. I have been moved into a 1/2 classroom for 2 weeks (possibly longer) and no consideration has been given to what might happen to the library now. I have tried to make the library user friendly for students but I cannot do what really should be done.
What have I done re PD?
Attended a PD for which I paid $200 and reorganised release time lessons so that I could attend - was from Ralph Pirozzo of Promoting and Learning International. Called Creating the most Engaging and Challenging Classroom where ESL & Indigenous Children will Thrive!
How did it help me?
Looked at theories of learning - over 53 - did not know that many - Constructivist Theory (Bruner), Laterial Thinking (De Bono), Multiple Intelligences (Gardner) etc.
Looked at Pirozzo's Learning and Teaching Wheel - discussion - put into perspective a lot of theory.
I find I am a practial person - I know much of learning is based on theory but I want to SEE evidence - I want to feel it, know that it is real!
Liked some of his Thinking Tools - BROW, LDC, Concept Maps, RedMast (I liked that for young, ESL and Indigenous kids), W, X and Y charts.
Matirx for planning and access to other teachers' kindly donated plans - excellent.
Second PD - Pearson Rigby - looking at Rigby Blueprints - core literacy programme and Making Connections plus Smart board presentation - very interesting for future reference.
Followed by: launch of Liz Thomspon Big Books of various Indigenous Community stories with some of the community children present - was great - very inspiring. So much potential to use story material of this nature - they all have some kind of message or moral - why not use these stories rather that Goldilocks or Red Riding Hood etc. I think the local stories would be more meaningful.
Learned a great deal for the future.
Readings - Appreciated Topic 5 perhaps more than the others - Oh dear probably not a good sign in my learning -
Collaborative Practice - that is maybe the role of the TL that I think is utterly critical - being a critical part of the curriculum and supporting the teachers and school community therein!
Evidence that collaboration boosts student learning - isn't that what it is all about? Yes Yes Yes.
Liked Gibbs and Todds articles. Montiel-Overall as well.
So much of readings are along the lines of learning all about the role - but the reality in the work place is far from comforting. I guess it is a case of keep on reading to learn so that the sum total will be able to change the reality!!!
What have I done re PD?
Attended a PD for which I paid $200 and reorganised release time lessons so that I could attend - was from Ralph Pirozzo of Promoting and Learning International. Called Creating the most Engaging and Challenging Classroom where ESL & Indigenous Children will Thrive!
How did it help me?
Looked at theories of learning - over 53 - did not know that many - Constructivist Theory (Bruner), Laterial Thinking (De Bono), Multiple Intelligences (Gardner) etc.
Looked at Pirozzo's Learning and Teaching Wheel - discussion - put into perspective a lot of theory.
I find I am a practial person - I know much of learning is based on theory but I want to SEE evidence - I want to feel it, know that it is real!
Liked some of his Thinking Tools - BROW, LDC, Concept Maps, RedMast (I liked that for young, ESL and Indigenous kids), W, X and Y charts.
Matirx for planning and access to other teachers' kindly donated plans - excellent.
Second PD - Pearson Rigby - looking at Rigby Blueprints - core literacy programme and Making Connections plus Smart board presentation - very interesting for future reference.
Followed by: launch of Liz Thomspon Big Books of various Indigenous Community stories with some of the community children present - was great - very inspiring. So much potential to use story material of this nature - they all have some kind of message or moral - why not use these stories rather that Goldilocks or Red Riding Hood etc. I think the local stories would be more meaningful.
Learned a great deal for the future.
Readings - Appreciated Topic 5 perhaps more than the others - Oh dear probably not a good sign in my learning -
Collaborative Practice - that is maybe the role of the TL that I think is utterly critical - being a critical part of the curriculum and supporting the teachers and school community therein!
Evidence that collaboration boosts student learning - isn't that what it is all about? Yes Yes Yes.
Liked Gibbs and Todds articles. Montiel-Overall as well.
So much of readings are along the lines of learning all about the role - but the reality in the work place is far from comforting. I guess it is a case of keep on reading to learn so that the sum total will be able to change the reality!!!
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Back once again
Feeling pressure - have to do assessments and write reports for ESL students already - have a maternity leave teacher leaving in 3 weeks - have a number of students in her class - only just feeling confident that they have made some progress since the beginning of the year. Have 33 students to report on.
Felt relief at getting assig 1 finished - not feeling confident in the result - having so much difficulty in handling all that is going on and feeling a lack of confidence.
I think one of the concerns is the utter lack of interest in the library as a working environment - it seems to be just a leisure/quiet reading place - teachers do not use the library for study nor the computer lab. The lab in particular is timetabled for one hour per week per class and often I witness it being used as a semi-release time for the teacher. The IT bloke provides support but it is more like turorship on his part!
Frustration at the fact that almost all of information I am reading (trying to) about information literate students and infor lit school communitites, is not practised here. I am one of the teachers supplying release - 0.5 in the library - I have to programme and plan - a few teachers just don't understand my role and that I am actually delivering lessons about literacy - they just don't see beyong their hour of release from their class. Have managed to get it through to one that I am not there to do exchanges of classroom readers for her class. Lack of care of books of all kinds, periodicals, posters, IT equipment and resources in general is just astonishing - both some of the children and some of the teachers.
There must be light at the end of the tunnel but I don't see it yet - and not here methinks.
Felt relief at getting assig 1 finished - not feeling confident in the result - having so much difficulty in handling all that is going on and feeling a lack of confidence.
I think one of the concerns is the utter lack of interest in the library as a working environment - it seems to be just a leisure/quiet reading place - teachers do not use the library for study nor the computer lab. The lab in particular is timetabled for one hour per week per class and often I witness it being used as a semi-release time for the teacher. The IT bloke provides support but it is more like turorship on his part!
Frustration at the fact that almost all of information I am reading (trying to) about information literate students and infor lit school communitites, is not practised here. I am one of the teachers supplying release - 0.5 in the library - I have to programme and plan - a few teachers just don't understand my role and that I am actually delivering lessons about literacy - they just don't see beyong their hour of release from their class. Have managed to get it through to one that I am not there to do exchanges of classroom readers for her class. Lack of care of books of all kinds, periodicals, posters, IT equipment and resources in general is just astonishing - both some of the children and some of the teachers.
There must be light at the end of the tunnel but I don't see it yet - and not here methinks.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Back again
Started Assignment 1 this week - rereading it constantly to make sure I keep on track. Also trying to keep up with modules and reading. Quite true to get oneself organised to study but after all these years still find that challenging especially having full time work, family life etc to cope with. Am aware others in same boat.
Have started to browse through Kuhlthau and daughters' Guided Inquiry - Figure 2.2 - model of the information process - just how I feel trying to get my head around assig 1 - so much reading/information - feel optimism at how much can be accessed to support my views on TLship but also feel confusion and doubt about the clarity of my ideas and whether I am using the right resources for the certain opinions. Just found this part of the book so relevant. Not much in Access related to local libraries but have found a couple of articles - so important to feel the connection. Do feel that as I go through this course I may be able to contribute something about the specific conditions of the need for TLs in the Top End.
Have started to browse through Kuhlthau and daughters' Guided Inquiry - Figure 2.2 - model of the information process - just how I feel trying to get my head around assig 1 - so much reading/information - feel optimism at how much can be accessed to support my views on TLship but also feel confusion and doubt about the clarity of my ideas and whether I am using the right resources for the certain opinions. Just found this part of the book so relevant. Not much in Access related to local libraries but have found a couple of articles - so important to feel the connection. Do feel that as I go through this course I may be able to contribute something about the specific conditions of the need for TLs in the Top End.
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Yippee
Be quick on this one - my lap top has been fixed after 2 weeks waiting - oh the ho huim joys of IT - back in business.
Read some of actual texts, borrowed other peoples' PCs - managed - makes such a difference to have one's own computer.
Going to read some more.
Read some of actual texts, borrowed other peoples' PCs - managed - makes such a difference to have one's own computer.
Going to read some more.
Sunday, 15 March 2009
interesting reading
From Weekend Aus mag - March 7-8 2009 - Lessons from the Bronx, David Nason, - page 25 - the history teacher says "I teach students - not history - so part of that is teaching them how to read and write, regardless of where they are when they come into my classroom."
It's the "I teach students" part - it doesn't matter what your subject is.
Focus on students.
ANU Reporter Autumn 2009 - page 12 interview with John Hart and Jim Lengle from USA re Obama's election campaign (and subsequent win)- interesting thoughts about modern communication - how Obama was able to reach many more people effectively using the internet - gone are the days of the doorknock?
SCIS connections issue no 68 term 1 2009 - Learning not to answer their questions - teaching students to think - information literacy skills - don't GIVE them knowledge - teach them to find it for themselves.
page 10 - challenges for teacher librarianship - discouraging teachers from using the library and librarian as a stop-gap for their own poor planning or unpreparedness. Let teachers know that TLs are not emergency personnel who can help teachers stuck in a problem which they should not have created.
I think this could be put another way - plan with the teachers where practicable - let them know TLs are of great value and very, very useful.
Access - vol 22 issue 4 2008 - Touching the ground: page 31-33 - I like this for the author's (Andrew Smith) point of view that the school library has a human face - school libraries and TLs "function as complex social and cultural spaces. The contribution made by teacher librarians in these spaces is irreplaceable. In their own unique ways they add a richness and depth to schools as they manage these spaces and the students who occupy them." YES YES YES. I so agree. - a very uplifting and imformative article, especially as the author is a recent recruit to the profession.
It's the "I teach students" part - it doesn't matter what your subject is.
Focus on students.
ANU Reporter Autumn 2009 - page 12 interview with John Hart and Jim Lengle from USA re Obama's election campaign (and subsequent win)- interesting thoughts about modern communication - how Obama was able to reach many more people effectively using the internet - gone are the days of the doorknock?
SCIS connections issue no 68 term 1 2009 - Learning not to answer their questions - teaching students to think - information literacy skills - don't GIVE them knowledge - teach them to find it for themselves.
page 10 - challenges for teacher librarianship - discouraging teachers from using the library and librarian as a stop-gap for their own poor planning or unpreparedness. Let teachers know that TLs are not emergency personnel who can help teachers stuck in a problem which they should not have created.
I think this could be put another way - plan with the teachers where practicable - let them know TLs are of great value and very, very useful.
Access - vol 22 issue 4 2008 - Touching the ground: page 31-33 - I like this for the author's (Andrew Smith) point of view that the school library has a human face - school libraries and TLs "function as complex social and cultural spaces. The contribution made by teacher librarians in these spaces is irreplaceable. In their own unique ways they add a richness and depth to schools as they manage these spaces and the students who occupy them." YES YES YES. I so agree. - a very uplifting and imformative article, especially as the author is a recent recruit to the profession.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Contemplating
Sadly cannot remember in which resource this was written (and may have been written in several), but it does distress me: that what students learn at school will be obsolete by the time they have finished their schooling.
On its own this is extraordinary. Even in context, I wonder. I know students and parents who would ask what is the point of attending school.
I do not feel that what I learned at school is obsolete. The amount of information available now about science, fiction written since my school years, geography, history and even learning another language given that languages are living, has increased, changed, shows development, progression in many areas. But to suggest that what I actually learned is obsolete is extreme. Would it not be better to say that it is part of the "life long learning" experience, that without it I cannot build to go further?
On its own this is extraordinary. Even in context, I wonder. I know students and parents who would ask what is the point of attending school.
I do not feel that what I learned at school is obsolete. The amount of information available now about science, fiction written since my school years, geography, history and even learning another language given that languages are living, has increased, changed, shows development, progression in many areas. But to suggest that what I actually learned is obsolete is extreme. Would it not be better to say that it is part of the "life long learning" experience, that without it I cannot build to go further?
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Frustration plus
It took me 20 minutes to get into this - I must be doing something so wrong but for some unknow reason it finally worked.
Found the history of Australian sschool libraries very interesting - did not realise the history of the federal funding to create/enhance school libraries from the 1960s on.
Readings from Ludin, R 1981 and Hazell, A 1990 have enlightened me but also depressed.
So much in my environment has not improved. Seems still to depend on the individual principal's point of view as to whether primary schools, in particular, have a fully functional library and a teacher librarian.
With respect to readings in Topic 6 - a lot of readings make me feel that common sense about organisation in the work place is so important. I know it can be expressed in writing by academic people, but in the work place, as I am a full time mother and wife (those are not part time jobs), I teach full time (and I know 12 weeks holiday or down time is mine but that involves a huge amount of preparation and indeed interest in finding better ways to do things) as well a variety of activities outside home and work life, common sense in organisation comes from experience and trial and error.
Found the history of Australian sschool libraries very interesting - did not realise the history of the federal funding to create/enhance school libraries from the 1960s on.
Readings from Ludin, R 1981 and Hazell, A 1990 have enlightened me but also depressed.
So much in my environment has not improved. Seems still to depend on the individual principal's point of view as to whether primary schools, in particular, have a fully functional library and a teacher librarian.
With respect to readings in Topic 6 - a lot of readings make me feel that common sense about organisation in the work place is so important. I know it can be expressed in writing by academic people, but in the work place, as I am a full time mother and wife (those are not part time jobs), I teach full time (and I know 12 weeks holiday or down time is mine but that involves a huge amount of preparation and indeed interest in finding better ways to do things) as well a variety of activities outside home and work life, common sense in organisation comes from experience and trial and error.
Monday, 2 March 2009
week 2
Oh dear I think I have created two posts which have a very close address.
A few observations from the weekend -
1 Read Weekend Australian Feb 21 - 22 and noted Never Wrong for Long - about the authenticity of wikipedia. Having studied 501 last semester, this is particularly interesting as there appears to be a concern on the part of the creators about the accuracy of posts. There are suggestions of regulating the posts to ensure a greater truth so to speak.
2 Access number 22 issue 4 2008 - Christopher Chan's article reviews studies on the impact of school library services on student achievement (etc) - very interesting given that the conculsion is that the studies can be said to consistently support school libraries as being of benefit to student learning.
Makes me feel a little more confident in pursuing this course.
A few observations from the weekend -
1 Read Weekend Australian Feb 21 - 22 and noted Never Wrong for Long - about the authenticity of wikipedia. Having studied 501 last semester, this is particularly interesting as there appears to be a concern on the part of the creators about the accuracy of posts. There are suggestions of regulating the posts to ensure a greater truth so to speak.
2 Access number 22 issue 4 2008 - Christopher Chan's article reviews studies on the impact of school library services on student achievement (etc) - very interesting given that the conculsion is that the studies can be said to consistently support school libraries as being of benefit to student learning.
Makes me feel a little more confident in pursuing this course.
Friday, 27 February 2009
the beginning
Hmmm! I'll try again. The first attempt did not work!!
Why "soggythoughts"? We are having a huge amount of rain up here. I live on a hectare outside Darwin in Howard River Park. The ground is like a sponge to walk on. I wish some of what we are recieving would head south.
Well managed to get this started so I will now read topic one and get on with it.
Why "soggythoughts"? We are having a huge amount of rain up here. I live on a hectare outside Darwin in Howard River Park. The ground is like a sponge to walk on. I wish some of what we are recieving would head south.
Well managed to get this started so I will now read topic one and get on with it.
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