Friday, April 15, 2011
Refelction Response
What a challenging semester! Two classes for someone who has been out of school a year, newly divorced and thrust into single parenting was definitely more than I bargained for. Yet, I found this assignment challenging and pushing me outside my comfort zone and practical experience for someone with aspirations of being a school librarian. The collaborative process was awesome. My partner, Theresa, was very knowledgeable and a great listener to what I expressed as needs to make this unit a rich learning experience for the students. We actually complimented each other by playing to our strengths and expertise. The assignment was particularly useful because I got the opportunity to see first hand how the two entities collaborate and make a rich learning experience for students. Honestly, at times i struggled to pull out ideas and organize them. But that is the beauty of collaboration. Theresa was open, direct and knowledgeable in providing structure to the unit. I see why this is an assignment because in the overall scope of things, learning to collaborate secures two jobs because successful student achievement is inevitable.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Week 9 Social Bookmarking
http://breitslink.com/my_libmedia/assessment.htm
This website first discusses assessment and evaluation and then talks about how to ascertain authentic assessment. It also gives stratgies for the media specilist assessing the process and product that is presented by the teacher. The various methods of assessing students such as checlists and rubrics are presented, in addition to creating effective rubrics. The site also gives the purpose of assessment. This site could prove a useful resource for being a resource to teachers ans aiding in their quest to assist teachers in assessing students and proving vital to the school environment.
This website first discusses assessment and evaluation and then talks about how to ascertain authentic assessment. It also gives stratgies for the media specilist assessing the process and product that is presented by the teacher. The various methods of assessing students such as checlists and rubrics are presented, in addition to creating effective rubrics. The site also gives the purpose of assessment. This site could prove a useful resource for being a resource to teachers ans aiding in their quest to assist teachers in assessing students and proving vital to the school environment.
Week 9 Response
Assessment was actually the starting point for me as I made suggestions for the unit outline. When working with students with limited skill sets, the first step is task analysis that can devleop new skills. With the idea of the students creating a powerpoint presentation, there are many basic skills needed that my students may or may not have. The actual teaching of powerpoint skills will be completed by the media specialist which is Theresa. Thus the adaptation of a pre-existing pre-skills assessment was completed. It is easy to take for granted the ability to identify letters on a keyboard or how to use a mouse. Thus when the pre-assessment is given it will look at existing skill or the lack there of and help to measure new skill acquirement that should be present at the end of the unit when the pre-assessment will be given again. Thus opportunities should be given to develop the skills throughout the unit. It is the hope tht the students will have new skills checked off on the regiven skills assessment. This will be evidence of student learning that can be shared with parents, administrators and other teachers. Another rubric will be used to evaulate the finished product. This will address other needed skill development such as following directions, working cooperatively, etc.
The finished product can be shared with the principal and parents of the school during the I. E.P process. This time is a period that looks at needed goals and goals that have been accomplished. The team would have a chance to look at the student's participation to dertermine what goals will be addressed in the next school year.
The finished product can be shared with the principal and parents of the school during the I. E.P process. This time is a period that looks at needed goals and goals that have been accomplished. The team would have a chance to look at the student's participation to dertermine what goals will be addressed in the next school year.
Week 6 Response
Vlasis, Charlotte. 2003. Librarian Morphs into Curriculum Developer.
"My background as a library media specialist was traditional and typical".
I chose this quote because it triggers memories of the school librarian in my elementary days. The author states that during the first part of her career she focused on teaching library skills and love of reading to students. These are quite valuable skills, but what do you do when you get bored? Are these skills seen as vital by anyone else? The author states that it was time to reinvent what she was doing. It was until she got a new job that the answer was provided. The answer was curriculum mapping. The curriculum map links standards with content with a time line with skills. What an integrative way to focus student learning, starting with the ones held accountable for learning. The maps are unique to the user. It is beneficial for all.
The idea of curriculum mapping shows how a school librarian stays relevant in the school community. It provides accountability for teachers, but it helps school librarians know what skills are being taught in the school and let the librarian build resources for use. It gives the school librarian a big picuture view. It fosters collaboration among professionals and creates learning opportunites for students.
"My background as a library media specialist was traditional and typical".
I chose this quote because it triggers memories of the school librarian in my elementary days. The author states that during the first part of her career she focused on teaching library skills and love of reading to students. These are quite valuable skills, but what do you do when you get bored? Are these skills seen as vital by anyone else? The author states that it was time to reinvent what she was doing. It was until she got a new job that the answer was provided. The answer was curriculum mapping. The curriculum map links standards with content with a time line with skills. What an integrative way to focus student learning, starting with the ones held accountable for learning. The maps are unique to the user. It is beneficial for all.
The idea of curriculum mapping shows how a school librarian stays relevant in the school community. It provides accountability for teachers, but it helps school librarians know what skills are being taught in the school and let the librarian build resources for use. It gives the school librarian a big picuture view. It fosters collaboration among professionals and creates learning opportunites for students.
Week 2 Response
Hassell-Hughes, Sandra and Harada, Violet. Change Agentry: An Essential Role for Library Media Specialists.
"Successful change requires every person working in a school to be committed to change and to strive for individual and collective improvement".
As an undergraduate, i worked in the university library. I would see the librarians help patrons with reference materials, government documents, special documents and journal article selection. As a girl, i saw our school librarian "shh" students and stamp due dates in books. whar a limited role portrayed by people with such knowledge. Surely, thone of the two was a diffrent type of library, but as education changes, so does the role of the staff in the school.
This article sees school librarians as change agents or those bring or help to bring about change thus helping others to innovate, in their daily work. There are five key factors in the change process identified: change as a journey, conflict and diversity as freinds, change being accomplished by individuals, development in growth and feelings, change is aaltered by the culture of the school. Media specialists often see the big picture because they work with everyone in the school, are experienced collaborators, can model effective practices, are engaged in continuous learning and finally they are viewed as peers. The article goes on to give strategies to work as a change agent.
School media specialist appear to have two strong set of skills- teacher and librarian. This could not be overstated. The teacher background helps the media specialists relate to how the classroom operates. The media specialist part are an addition of skills that strengthen what we learn as teachers. Thus media specialists are thrust into a position that to be a key resource to teachers as education changes and resources are challenged. Media specialists have the opportunity to reshape, rethink and relearn what teaching and learning can look like and spread this vision to other school personnel.
Callison, Daniel. Foundations of the Library Media Specialist's Instructional Role.
"The role of teacher-librarian is not new".
I chose this quote because it presents the history of the profession. this article shows how teacher-librarians moved from teaching library skills to facilitators of information literacy. Crucial to this role is projecting a positive attitude with high ability and being influential in aiding student achievement. The teacher-librarian initiates curriculum planning with giving access to everyone involved in the learning process access to the school's library collection.
Yet the chapter states that the most important role is the library media specialist is the ability to work well with others. Successful media specialists have established their roles as instrucitonal specialists. This aids in the relationship with the principal who often sees the role of the media specialist as peripheral to the classroom, as no training in the role of the media specialist is given in training or professional teacher journals.
Thus it is imperative that school media specialist be strategic in what it is they do. They must establish their worth, so to speak, early. they must flaunt their teacher skills to be seen as instructional specialists and how integral the school library is in student achievement.
"Successful change requires every person working in a school to be committed to change and to strive for individual and collective improvement".
As an undergraduate, i worked in the university library. I would see the librarians help patrons with reference materials, government documents, special documents and journal article selection. As a girl, i saw our school librarian "shh" students and stamp due dates in books. whar a limited role portrayed by people with such knowledge. Surely, thone of the two was a diffrent type of library, but as education changes, so does the role of the staff in the school.
This article sees school librarians as change agents or those bring or help to bring about change thus helping others to innovate, in their daily work. There are five key factors in the change process identified: change as a journey, conflict and diversity as freinds, change being accomplished by individuals, development in growth and feelings, change is aaltered by the culture of the school. Media specialists often see the big picture because they work with everyone in the school, are experienced collaborators, can model effective practices, are engaged in continuous learning and finally they are viewed as peers. The article goes on to give strategies to work as a change agent.
School media specialist appear to have two strong set of skills- teacher and librarian. This could not be overstated. The teacher background helps the media specialists relate to how the classroom operates. The media specialist part are an addition of skills that strengthen what we learn as teachers. Thus media specialists are thrust into a position that to be a key resource to teachers as education changes and resources are challenged. Media specialists have the opportunity to reshape, rethink and relearn what teaching and learning can look like and spread this vision to other school personnel.
Callison, Daniel. Foundations of the Library Media Specialist's Instructional Role.
"The role of teacher-librarian is not new".
I chose this quote because it presents the history of the profession. this article shows how teacher-librarians moved from teaching library skills to facilitators of information literacy. Crucial to this role is projecting a positive attitude with high ability and being influential in aiding student achievement. The teacher-librarian initiates curriculum planning with giving access to everyone involved in the learning process access to the school's library collection.
Yet the chapter states that the most important role is the library media specialist is the ability to work well with others. Successful media specialists have established their roles as instrucitonal specialists. This aids in the relationship with the principal who often sees the role of the media specialist as peripheral to the classroom, as no training in the role of the media specialist is given in training or professional teacher journals.
Thus it is imperative that school media specialist be strategic in what it is they do. They must establish their worth, so to speak, early. they must flaunt their teacher skills to be seen as instructional specialists and how integral the school library is in student achievement.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Social Bookmarking Catch up
Week 2
http://www.libraryinstruction.com/school-librarians.html
This website discusses the role of the school librarian in an electronic age. There is an article on the webpage that states school librarians are moving from a “warehouse concept” to a consulting role as they collaborate with teachers to teach information literacy skills to students who are becoming more self-directed learners. This is occurring in an age where more information is available online than and the acquisition of print materials is declining.
This site also contains library instruction materials, lesson plans, articles about library instruction, resource links, and materials relating to information literacy. This site also encourages the submission on materials from viewers to increase the amount of useful information available.
Week 5
http://virtualinquiry.com/specialist/theorypractice.html
This webpage is dedicated to making students lifelong learners. It discusses turning theory into practice and having school media specialist enhances teaching and learning. The website suggests “take the key elements of the idea and apply them to a simple learning activity”. Thus enhancing the inquiry learning process. The site also lists several instructional models and gives a description of each. There are also useful videos to help emphasize the points. There is also a page geared toward understanding the learners. The site also offers ideas on how to make your library a “learning laboratory”.
This site appears to be a good resource in regards to the idea of the school media specialists as a consultant. It offers many links to resources that can aid the teacher librarian in becoming knowledgeable in making the school librarian relevant to teachers and students, addressing the many different types of methods used by teachers and the different learners that may come into the school library.
Week 6
http://www.chlive.org/pbeck/eastlibrary/librarians.htm
This is a basic resource website for school librarians. It does have a link pertaining to curriculum mapping: what it is, what’s its purpose and how it was used in a Pennsylvania school district. More detailed information can be found on the http://virtualinquiry.com/specialist/theorypractice.html website. But the site may prove useful for links to the various resources presented on the page.
This website could be useful as a resource if you need additional infomation on how to get started with curriculum mapping if one wanted to do this at their school.
Week 7
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6545434.html
I chose this website because it has a very interesting article titled “If school librarians can’t prove they make a difference, they may cease to exist” by Ross Todd. The article states that evidence based practice is not a new concept and encompasses many beliefs held by school librarians such as:
1. The combination of learning, information and technology presents a new challenge for teachers, school librarians, students and administrators but is centered around providing the best opportunities for students
2. School libraries should be seen as the school knowledge center and essential for addressing school curriculum standards.
3. School librarianship is constantly improving and evolving and is based on active engagement with theoretical and empirical knowledge and it is applied to practice.
4. All students can learn when engaged in the school library, enhancing their growth intellectually, socially, and culturally.
5. A carefully designed program transforms information into knowledge.
The overall goal is students who are able to analyze, synthesize information and draw conclusions in regards to their research and broaden their ability to present their own ideas.
Week 8
http://www.oelma.org/StudentLearning/documents/OELMAResearchStudy8page.pdf
This website contains the research of Dr. Ross Todd in his study of the helpfulness of school libraries in student learning. One of the key findings in the study was that the school library and the services offered there in some way helped students. The libraries examined were located in Ohio and ran by a credentialed school librarian. Those who participated in the study demonstrated that the library was an active agent in helping students builds their own understanding and knowledge. Students also like the use of information technology and the guidance provided by the school librarian in not only how to use technology but how the technology is a useful tool in creating reflective products. Overall, the article supports the idea that a school library headed by a credentialed professional is effective in supporting student learning and increasing the learning that occurs.
http://www.libraryinstruction.com/school-librarians.html
This website discusses the role of the school librarian in an electronic age. There is an article on the webpage that states school librarians are moving from a “warehouse concept” to a consulting role as they collaborate with teachers to teach information literacy skills to students who are becoming more self-directed learners. This is occurring in an age where more information is available online than and the acquisition of print materials is declining.
This site also contains library instruction materials, lesson plans, articles about library instruction, resource links, and materials relating to information literacy. This site also encourages the submission on materials from viewers to increase the amount of useful information available.
Week 5
http://virtualinquiry.com/specialist/theorypractice.html
This webpage is dedicated to making students lifelong learners. It discusses turning theory into practice and having school media specialist enhances teaching and learning. The website suggests “take the key elements of the idea and apply them to a simple learning activity”. Thus enhancing the inquiry learning process. The site also lists several instructional models and gives a description of each. There are also useful videos to help emphasize the points. There is also a page geared toward understanding the learners. The site also offers ideas on how to make your library a “learning laboratory”.
This site appears to be a good resource in regards to the idea of the school media specialists as a consultant. It offers many links to resources that can aid the teacher librarian in becoming knowledgeable in making the school librarian relevant to teachers and students, addressing the many different types of methods used by teachers and the different learners that may come into the school library.
Week 6
http://www.chlive.org/pbeck/eastlibrary/librarians.htm
This is a basic resource website for school librarians. It does have a link pertaining to curriculum mapping: what it is, what’s its purpose and how it was used in a Pennsylvania school district. More detailed information can be found on the http://virtualinquiry.com/specialist/theorypractice.html website. But the site may prove useful for links to the various resources presented on the page.
This website could be useful as a resource if you need additional infomation on how to get started with curriculum mapping if one wanted to do this at their school.
Week 7
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6545434.html
I chose this website because it has a very interesting article titled “If school librarians can’t prove they make a difference, they may cease to exist” by Ross Todd. The article states that evidence based practice is not a new concept and encompasses many beliefs held by school librarians such as:
1. The combination of learning, information and technology presents a new challenge for teachers, school librarians, students and administrators but is centered around providing the best opportunities for students
2. School libraries should be seen as the school knowledge center and essential for addressing school curriculum standards.
3. School librarianship is constantly improving and evolving and is based on active engagement with theoretical and empirical knowledge and it is applied to practice.
4. All students can learn when engaged in the school library, enhancing their growth intellectually, socially, and culturally.
5. A carefully designed program transforms information into knowledge.
The overall goal is students who are able to analyze, synthesize information and draw conclusions in regards to their research and broaden their ability to present their own ideas.
Week 8
http://www.oelma.org/StudentLearning/documents/OELMAResearchStudy8page.pdf
This website contains the research of Dr. Ross Todd in his study of the helpfulness of school libraries in student learning. One of the key findings in the study was that the school library and the services offered there in some way helped students. The libraries examined were located in Ohio and ran by a credentialed school librarian. Those who participated in the study demonstrated that the library was an active agent in helping students builds their own understanding and knowledge. Students also like the use of information technology and the guidance provided by the school librarian in not only how to use technology but how the technology is a useful tool in creating reflective products. Overall, the article supports the idea that a school library headed by a credentialed professional is effective in supporting student learning and increasing the learning that occurs.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Week 7 Mid Planning Thoughts
The work has began for Team 6's unit plan regarding recycling. To divide the work, we both stuck with what we knew, so that this unit is a viable resource for me to use with my students. This planning has been quite interesting as I have never worked with a media specialist and the students that I teach will be new to Theresa. I found it very important to explain thoroughly to her what my classroom was really like so that the media specialist lesson would be something that is beneficial for my students and not frustrating for her. My students, although between the ages of 14 and 16 are labeled as moderately cognitively impaired. So that means that they have an I.Q of no more than about 58. I have a "rainbow" of students. Some can read, many can not; some can speak, some can not, many can write, some can not, etc. This can be frustrating because there are limits in what my students can do for projects without direct help. This also is interesting in the aspects of assessment because how do you assess someone with the abilities and comprehension of a pre-schooler? Well this is the challenge that we both face.
I will be outlining the unit content and Theresa will supplement not only with project ideas but with lessons on how to teach technology to students. We both will offer suggestions for activities. I mentioned to Theresa that my students are quite visual and any resource that shows the real-life component of what they are doing will develop their comprehension and improve retention. My students are also very hands-on and this will be reflected in the unit as well. We decided to focus on one literacy/core standand per week, as repetition is quite necessary for my students. However, a pre-assessment will be developed to aid in the development of an assessment for the finished project that will be a powerpoint presentation. My students have limited experience with using such tools but there is an excitement in developing a lesson in which they can express their own thoughts and comprehension.
I know this collaboration will open a whole new world for my students. If you don't know how to read, why is a library of any importance to you? Well it is and this collaboration will show that the place with books, is more than just a place with books. It is a resource that can help you express thoughts and ideas, in addition to increasing your comprehension of the world around you.
I will be outlining the unit content and Theresa will supplement not only with project ideas but with lessons on how to teach technology to students. We both will offer suggestions for activities. I mentioned to Theresa that my students are quite visual and any resource that shows the real-life component of what they are doing will develop their comprehension and improve retention. My students are also very hands-on and this will be reflected in the unit as well. We decided to focus on one literacy/core standand per week, as repetition is quite necessary for my students. However, a pre-assessment will be developed to aid in the development of an assessment for the finished project that will be a powerpoint presentation. My students have limited experience with using such tools but there is an excitement in developing a lesson in which they can express their own thoughts and comprehension.
I know this collaboration will open a whole new world for my students. If you don't know how to read, why is a library of any importance to you? Well it is and this collaboration will show that the place with books, is more than just a place with books. It is a resource that can help you express thoughts and ideas, in addition to increasing your comprehension of the world around you.
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