More reflections on Study Skills

Ten Days has passed, and obviously have been thinking more on this topic

I have had some conversations with colleagues at school and elsewhere and the big challenge is that study skills are different for each subject area and its the faculty that needs to come up with ideas on how to do it.

As a Teacher Librarian, I would need to collaborate with them in this area. It does give me a challenge. I don't specialise in every subject and would need to find out what the requirements are for each subject, but I would enjoy that challenge and gaining an insight into the skills needed for each subject.

I would have to work off a common set of skills needed, and then apply it to that subject.

Also I have been researching the various organisations that provide study skills seminars to students. I have felt that there are unanswered questions and whether or not the people facilitating them are educators given that study skills need to relate back to the curriculum.

I'll have to keep working on it next term, particularly as I become "on call" again as a Casual Teacher. If you know of anyone who needs a T/L to fill in, please feel free to contact me.

Skills for Study and Lifelong Learning

Another idea which has come into my mind in recent times has been study skills and the need to provide students with skills that they need for lifelong learning.

Just finding resources is a real challenge - whether it is printed material or material that has been published by schools or universities. And the bigger challenge - How does it apply to Australian settings?

There are simply so many things to consider when we teach information literacy and lifelong learning skills:

• Time Management - So many kids complain of being "too busy", when with an organised schedule, they can get the most of the time that they have for study and fun.
• The process of doing assignments and preparing for exams.
• Reading and comprehending information.
• Academic Integrity (referencing and bibliographies)
• Text Types
• Well being through school
• Library skills
• Internet search skills
• Learning to use a variety of resources and not rely merely on Google. 

I have been using my time this term to begin to waddle through this information and try to create a set of resources to help students succeed in their studies. I have been focusing on workshops etc and have tried to offer them at a school where I am filling in this term. Students have been very reluctant to take advantage of what is available to them. 

It feels like my head is going on several paths this term, but it will be interesting to see where it heads.

Print continues to rule for now

Earlier this year, I read The Mandibles (Lionel Shriver) which documents the family as they cope with the complete economic collapse of the United States between 2029 and 2047.

In the book, they foresee a world where there is no print. In fact everyone carries a tablet computer which is as thin as a tissue and can be folded to fit in a persons pocket. One member of the family Nollie herself is an author and works in a world where even the best authors struggle to earn a living. One member of the family has an enorumus library of books and is questioned about why they still keep printed material.

Is this where we are headed? I hope not but have encouraged by what I have read about the desire for printed material from the younger generations.

I read recently that 70 % of youngsters prefer printed material over eBooks. This is an encouraging step because it suggests that they prefer the experience of touching a book, which an eReader or tablet cannot provide.

10 % of book loans in libraries are for eBooks compared to 90 % for printed materials which further reinforces the interest in print.

What about sales of printed books? In the United States, sales of printed books increased by over 3 %, while eBook sales decreased by around 15%.

Are we looking for ways to disconnect from technology or feel threatened by it? Does a book provide the tonic for us to truely escape from technology?

Setting up Library Monitor Programs

My latest challenge has been to set up a library monitor program at a school and I have been enjoying it so far.

I have been encouraged by resources such as STAR by Barbara Braxton to form some ideas but also have applied what I know and have seen in practice over the years. I even think back to the article on Library Warriors at Evans High by Tamara Rogers.

But every school library is different with different needs and each library monitor program is unique while reflecting the needs of that school. 

One of my focuses will be on encouraging ownership of the library and actually utilizing their skills and interests. I have asked applicants to provide an overview of the skills and interests to help me to utilize them effectively. 

All of the applicants like to read, and I'll be encouraging them to provide reviews that can be published on OLIVER, School Newsletters and even on the shelves (like Dymocks do to promote books) to motivate students across the school to read. Some of them enjoy writing, and that provides them a chance to pursue their interests or build up their skills further. I know students are more keen to read if their friends are reading and sharing their interest with others.

I even set them a reading challenge of two or three books to read each term from the library collection. This will aid in providing recommendations to read. 

Believe it or not, they like the shelves to be tidy along with library spaces. Doing shelf tidy tasks or general cleanups will allow them to help develop an appreciation of the library space but also help them to own it.

And I aiming to have them actively involved in the creation of library displays based around the various collections but also improving the appeal of the space.

Happy days lie ahead!!!

Reading and Well Being

This past week, I was reading two articles that highlighted the importance of reading and how it can contribute to well being.

It affirmed what I know from my own reading experiences. It can help me settle down when I am feeling tense or stressed and it has a calming effect that medicine cannot offer.

I have noticed in my work how getting students to focus on reading an item of  their interest (not perscribed by a teacher). I have asked them if they felt more relaxed while reading and the answer has resoundingly been yes. I am even amazed at how kids that can be active or full of energy settle down. The results seem to work better in the afternoon when they feel tired and need something passive yet educational.

And notice that the time flies too because they become engaged in their text.

Reading the articles has helped me also provide an argument for application of wide reading programs at a school because of the effects it can have on well being.

My challenge is to get the welfare or pastoral care team on side.

Maintainence of Accreditation

Many teachers like yours truely as post 2004 teachers have to undergo a maintainence of accreditation every five years (full time employment) or seven years (casual/temporary) which involves undertaking 100 hours of professional development.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to Ermington Public School, where the NSW Department of Education offered a workshop to provide an overview of the process involved.

I gained insight into the process involved. It dismissed the motion that I had that it was merely keeping a record of courses, but also about reflecting on how I apply the professional development in my teaching.

I have done some professional development, but admitted that I have made some errors in not having some of the courses signed off by the school that I completed the training at (where relevant). I will need to check through the diary and make sure it is validated ASAP with the relevant principal/s including documentation.

Also a handy check of the diary to fill any missing entries is needed as well, not to mention to do the entry at the point in time that it is done.

I think this blog will be handy in itself, because I am reflecting on my learning, what I did and how I might apply it in practice.

I would go as far as recommending that people keep a journal of their professional development in addition to the diary that they might keep through MyPL for instance or BOSTES. I will need to follow up with the presenters if certificates can be valid evidence as well for validation. I am sure it would because I remember speaking to colleague as I was working towards accreditation at proficient and that as part of my learning log, could provide some course certificates to support the diary.