Throughout this course and my previous courses at Dominican, I have continued to be impressed by my fellow classmates and instructors. You all have much to offer and I have learned so much from you. The workshops were very helpful and provided useful tools that I can use, and our discussions have also provided some wonderful ideas that I will take with me when I enter my own school library.
This is my last class, and I know I will miss learning from all of you. I am worried about the isolation that can occur when in the school library. I hope that I continue to learn from my fellow librarians through conferences and by keeping in touch with my Dominican classmates. I do not want to lose so many great resources! (Another reason I need to move all my resources out of blackboard soon! :-))
So thank you for your insights, ideas, and tools, and I hope to keep in touch with you. Good luck in your upcoming school years!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
differentiation in the library
As a classroom teacher I was always thinking of ways to differentiate, and it was consistently a topic during English department meetings. I also knew that I would need to do it as a librarian as well, but once I started looking at the articles and research I realized one of the beautiful things about libraries. They naturally focus on differentiation. Sure, when teaching lessons, the librarian should be sure to differentiate just like any other teacher, but the library itself is a differentiation haven!
What I mean is that there are different areas in libraries that will appeal to different kinds of interests, learning styles, and skill levels. There are quiet areas for study. Sometimes there are areas where it is okay to talk and be a little louder. Additionally, there are materials and resources that appeal to all interest areas. There are different genres of books, and many school libraries have different areas for different levels. There are computers if that is of higher interest or compliments a student's learning style. The space itself is made to cater to all different kinds of interests, learning styles, and skill levels.
I always knew libraries did this, but when thinking about differentiation specifically, I was very pleased to see how much school libraries can help all students. Additionally, it is the place teachers can come for additional resources if there are students at different levels, or if they need materials to enhance the curriculum in ways that will focus on different learning styles. Overall, differentiation in the library comes quite naturally, and as a result, all students can feel comfortable there knowing that they have an area or resource that will suit them perfectly.
What I mean is that there are different areas in libraries that will appeal to different kinds of interests, learning styles, and skill levels. There are quiet areas for study. Sometimes there are areas where it is okay to talk and be a little louder. Additionally, there are materials and resources that appeal to all interest areas. There are different genres of books, and many school libraries have different areas for different levels. There are computers if that is of higher interest or compliments a student's learning style. The space itself is made to cater to all different kinds of interests, learning styles, and skill levels.
I always knew libraries did this, but when thinking about differentiation specifically, I was very pleased to see how much school libraries can help all students. Additionally, it is the place teachers can come for additional resources if there are students at different levels, or if they need materials to enhance the curriculum in ways that will focus on different learning styles. Overall, differentiation in the library comes quite naturally, and as a result, all students can feel comfortable there knowing that they have an area or resource that will suit them perfectly.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Jury Duty
I spent today at criminal court for jury duty (sorry again to my workshop group for having to reschedule) and was struck by the importance of teaching information literacy. It is vital for students to gain knowledge in looking at information and recognizing fact from opinion as well as bias, and understanding this will help them become a contributing member of society. It will also be important for serving on any jury.
While the judge was questioning the jurors he made sure that all of us would be able to base our verdict on the facts presented by both parties without being partial to one or the other. He also made sure that we could disregard any questions or comments made by the defense or prosecution that played upon bias. In order to recognize bias, people need to know how to look at information in such a way that they understand why the source is conveying information in a certain way and how to be able to separate fact from opinion.
As library media specialists we will provide the education necessary to better be able to evaluate information sources in order to form the most educated opinions on certain topics. These are tools for life-long learning and life-long contribution to society.
I was selected today to serve on the jury, and I wonder if my telling them that I am currently getting my masters in library science made them want me on the jury for the very reasons I explained above. Regardless, today I was reminded that we as library media specialists offer a vital service to students in educating them on how to evaluate and judge information, and I was proud to be going into the field of librarianship while I sat in the courthouse.
While the judge was questioning the jurors he made sure that all of us would be able to base our verdict on the facts presented by both parties without being partial to one or the other. He also made sure that we could disregard any questions or comments made by the defense or prosecution that played upon bias. In order to recognize bias, people need to know how to look at information in such a way that they understand why the source is conveying information in a certain way and how to be able to separate fact from opinion.
As library media specialists we will provide the education necessary to better be able to evaluate information sources in order to form the most educated opinions on certain topics. These are tools for life-long learning and life-long contribution to society.
I was selected today to serve on the jury, and I wonder if my telling them that I am currently getting my masters in library science made them want me on the jury for the very reasons I explained above. Regardless, today I was reminded that we as library media specialists offer a vital service to students in educating them on how to evaluate and judge information, and I was proud to be going into the field of librarianship while I sat in the courthouse.
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