Reflection on learning

As I read about theories of information literacy and programs to teach it, I realise I have done what so many students do....and just start reading....and am now feeling every bit anxious as Kuhlthau (2007) reported many of students feel during an assignment. I think the scaffolding we have received during this assignment has reduced possible anxiety. I am clear about the purpose of the assignment ..but the readings provide so much information that I am finding it hard to winnow information, and read for my assignment, and not for interest or future projects.

I'm going to try the concept map and brain storming. If I plan to teach these skills to students, I need to model that behaviour. I am a visual learner and like to see where everything fits in....and what I have to focus on. I have felt better about time management since putting up a weekly timetable for the family in the living area, with a list of to dos. I will post on the process.

regards, Anna

Easter of my disconnect

Unlike Susan Maushart who wrote Winter of my Disconnect, I did not plan to disconnect from the Internet for any length of time. However due to a couple of mini holidays with the kids on a farm and a house up the coast, I read articles on information literacy and Quality Teaching and made notes on pages...and mulled over the breadth of the role of the Teacher Librarian...as well as relaxed in rural locations.

It was definitely a different headspace but glad to be back on track with a whole day to dedicate to nutting out what information literacy is and the best way to incorporate it wholistically into schools.

Although enthusiastic, I feel the more I learn, the less I know. A cliche, but how I feel today.
regards Anna

How I feel about Library standards

I've read many comments from other students stating that the Australian School Library Association (ASLA) Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians demand too high a standard in too many areas, and no one librarian could do it all. Although I feel underprepared at the moment with regards to many aspects of teaching and evaluating secondary students which are mentioned in the document, I like the fact that ASLA and ALIA have prepared The Standards as it provides a framework for us to assess ourselves; our strengths and weaknesses. It also presents teacher librarianship as a profession to those outside it, including teachers, Principals and parents. Michell (2006) in her article titled "Australia's professional excellence policy: empowering school libraries" in School Libraries Worldwide 12,(1) 39-49 provides a concise history of teacher librarianship in Australia and how the ASLA standards are designed to help librarians find their place within "the professional teaching standards agenda" She asserts that similar Standards for other teaching professionals were designed to inspire teachers become more accomplished by focusing on certain key areas (p. 42). This is so for the ASLA Standards as teacher librarians must be able to demonstrate that they contribute positively to student learning outcomes and improve professional practice.

I'm hoping (like many others I am sure) that I find a job in a school where I am supported by the Principal and that the library is well funded, but I will keep referring to this document with regards to professional development and as a way to advocate for the library.