Topic 2 - The Role of the Teacher Librarian

What appeared to be a common factor in all of the readings in this topic were how the TL play a vital role within the school community.  They work closely with all teachers and the Principal however in some instances Principals may under estimate their role.

At one of my schools the TL has wears many hats eg he is the TL as well as the PE teacher and the occassional Science Teacher.  Whilst this school is on a shared campus with another school and therefore shares the library along with the facilities and resources.  Each school has their own TL and is reportable to the school/Principal that they are employed with. 

Whilst reading the allocated readings I found myself reflecting on the schools that I work in as a relief teacher and generally I see the TL as someone who does not teach any formal lessons but are there to help the students find books, locate information on computers and help teachers when required.  When classes are taken to the library the TL has no real contact with the students as students are borrowing books or returning the books and the class teacher is there. 

In many of the readings there appears to be an emphasis on TL's being "Media Specialists".  Whilst I have not noticed this at my schools as at my schools there are IT Specialists employed by the school as well as classroom teacher/s who are very knowledgeable in that field and tend to be the contact for the school.

I think that the role of the TL will change over time, however I believe that unless schools are prepared to change and update their TL role and send the TL's to appropriate media training TL's may in some instances be the "Jack of all Trade".

Topic 6 - Reading "Conflict Resolution"

This reading was very interesting for me as I do not like conflict resolution.  I am the type of person who generally "takes" it as I do not want to have any conflict.  I was amazed that in the first paragraph is stated that "conflict in itself is not a bad thing".  I am the type of person who backs away; thinks about what may happen for hours; and works myself up.

This reading gave me great suggestions such as conflict does not always have to be negative it can be positive and changes for the better may occur; you must be a good listener and not butt in - it is not all about you and everyone needs to have a say; using "I" statements instead of "you" statements.

If everyone if possible remains calm and collected working together may be easier and by choosing your words, use of body language etc could make a nicer working environment.

Topic 6 - Reading "Effective Time Management for Teachers"

As a relief teacher my daily timetable is generally set out for me and I tend to do my relief at one particular school which is helpful.  So I do not have reports to do, nor do I have to do lesson plans I just have to deliver what is left for me.  I do the marking for the day and I write an end of day report for the teacher.  This is not to say that I did not relate to this article - I did.  I actually reflected on a 6 month contract that I had last year and what poor time managment skills I had as a teacher.  I would arrive at school at 7.45am every morning and leave at 6.00pm every night!!!!  Madness I know but whatever I tried to do it never worked out.  I had a Reception/Year 1 class so like every teacher I had to deal with behaviour issues; students that just started school; different learning abilities and the list goes on.  I would stay back for meetings; marking; preparing for the following day and so on.  I did exactly what the article stated - I took work home with all good intensions to mark it and low and behold I was carting it back to school unmarked!!!! 

I need to be smarter with my time management skills and follow the zones outlined in the article as well the four criterias of: decide what to do; start it; finish it and accept it!

Very interesting reading with some good advice especially for me.

Topic 6 - Reading "The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians"

This article was very true and in some areas confronting for me.  The one thing that stood out for me and I certainly agree with and that it is hard to take and for me to accept criticism.  Not sure if it is the way it has been presented to me or whether I need to change my mind set and accept like everyone else would like to think that we are perfect and in fact none of us are.  I have come away from this reading understanding that I need not get defensive when someone is criticising me and to take it as constructive (especially as I am a relative new teacher). Listen and take it on board.

Topic 6 - Management Implications

Wow, after reading these readings it has highlighted to me which if I am to be totally honest I already knew that I am really bad at managing my time!!!!!  Maybe I should clarify this.....I am really good with time management when it interests me or I have a deadline but other than that I feel I am really bad at it.  Take this course for example, I am doing this degree through DE as all of us are probably doing.  Now that means you need to manage your time effectively so that you get through all the required readings and activities let alone complete assignments on time.  Me I am a person that really needs to have face to face that means I need to go to a campus and attend the required tutorials and lectures.  I am currently on school holidays so am trying to get ahead on some of the readings especially since I am doing 2 courses and make an early start with the assignment.  Sounds really great in my head and it works in my head but low and behold I always find a distraction be it the television or the ever distracting FB (why did I join??).  I need to focus as my friend told me when she saw I had been on FB. 

I need to structure my study time more effectively because before I know it assignments will be due and I will be struggling. 

As I do relief teaching I really do not need to be too effective with my time management skills as everything is laid out for me and I just follow the program.  So for the next 10 weeks I need to FOCUS, FOCUS and FOCUS!!!!!!

Reading - My Reflection on Chapter 2 Teacher Librarians and the School Library

This chapter certainly gave me a different aspect of a teacher librarian.  Whilst I only have had my degree for 3 years and in that time I have only been doing relief teaching I have not given much thought to the role of the teacher librarian until I read this chapter.  Whilst I have always enjoyed the library and thought working in a library would be interesting I always was under the impression that the TL just ordered books, shelved the books, took control of borrowing and returning and read books for the library.  How wrong was I!!!!  A Tl is much, much, much more than that as James Herring pointed out in his chapter.  The library is the focal point of a school where much learning happens.  I certainly did not reliase that there were school library mission statements or standards for school libraries.  I certainly have much to learn and hope that through this degree I will gain that extra understanding.

I did it!!!!

I cannot believe I have managed to post on the blog let alone create a blog!!!!!  This was one of my first activities that I had to do as I embark on my Masters of Education (Teacher Librarianship).  My friends laughed at me when I told them I was doing this.....why you ask??  Because they think of libraries as being a place of peace and quite.  No one speaks and you just read!!!!  After completing my readings I certainly know that libraries are far from that.

I am very daunted and scared about doing 2 courses this semester.  I am thinking I might be biting off more than I can chew!!!!

Anyway I need to get the brain going and convince myself that I can do this.  Wish me luck and I hope to share my journey with you.

Topic 1 - Using the Library's Databases

This was a very useful topic.  Having a step by step guide on how to access journals etc through EbscoHost Databases to me was amazing.  Each step was clearly defined and to have the ability to breakdown the search was fabulous.  I wish that when I started University in 2005 my Uni provided us with this step by step guide.  It certainly would have saved hours and hours of plowing through endless journals to find the exact one!!!

I did find Informit searches a little more complicated.  Whether it was the fact I was use to EbscoHost through Uni I am not sure.  I will however endeavour to use Informit during my research for particular journals.

Having the options of folders was a novice concept for me.  I always tended to print off endless of journals in fear of not being able to relocate the journal.  This will eliminate the paperwar and certainly streamline the whole activity.

Testing

Just testing my blog page.  Changed providers.