Charles Wooley wrote an article for The Australian yesterday and has posed the question of whether or not books are being made big for marketing's sake?
He cites Mawson by Peter Fitzsimons and mentions that we don't get to read about his adventures to Antarctica until we are halfway through.
But hold on a moment? As a history trained teacher, doesn't one needs to understand the background of a person before we understand why they chose a particular path in life or made a decision/s that shaped a person into who they are?
In any story in order to understand it, we need to know one's background in life.
The size of a book should not determine whether its a good read or not. It is what is written and how it is written that determines its success.
Some of our biggest selling books are in fact books with long plots or explore an issue in depth. There are readers who will love the fine details of a character or person or of an event or topic. It is merely one's choice.
Strapped for time, there will always be shorter books or abridged versions. Some want to get the point read quickly.
It does amaze me how some smaller and shorter books retail for high prices. That question needs to be raised? No guarantee that it will be a quality read either.
Should writers show restraint? No. Let them write and let them focus on making what is written great.
As for people struggling to get to the end? I always would encourage a person to read a long book if they feel that they have the time and energy to complete it. I also believe that reading levels are important too. Weaker readers don't benefit from a long book. It's nice to set a challenge for one to read challenging texts, but they need to be realistic.
If a person cannot get there, take it steps. Aim for a book of 300 pages, then 350, then 400 pages.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Friday, August 4, 2017
Assignment Planning & Google Calendars
I have had the opportunity while filling in at Marist College Eastwood for the first part of this term to facilitate study skills seminars.
This week, I focused on Assignment Planning and Bibliographies.
Bibliographies was fairly simple, with students completing activities and notes based on the details that they need to include. I was impressed with what they know about plagiarism but also curious as to why particular details like publishers and the place of location must be included. One concern, they mention that only websites are listed. I had to remind them of the formats of sources that can be used.
The focus of this entry is on Assignment Planners. One habit I observe is the last minute rush that occurs to complete an assignment. Students easily fall into a trap in holding off assignments.
I focused on their purpose and the benefits of assignment planners. Then I got them to list the steps that they need to undertake to complete an upcoming assignment.
Once they had listed their steps, the information was transferred onto their Google Calendar. I guided them through the steps in posting each step and how Google Calendars can remind them of when other learning tasks are due. They can easily organise their time.
I even required students to list when they intend to visit the library and to see their teachers, because they are important steps in the research process. How will one obtain information if they don't visit the library? How can one get help at the last minute as opposed to when the task is handed out? As the assignment involves creating an object or model, I went a step further and asked them if they do their research before making the model or after they make the model.
We near the end of the week and yes some of them have dropped in to view the resources we have prepared for them. I look forward to seeing more in the days ahead.
This week, I focused on Assignment Planning and Bibliographies.
Bibliographies was fairly simple, with students completing activities and notes based on the details that they need to include. I was impressed with what they know about plagiarism but also curious as to why particular details like publishers and the place of location must be included. One concern, they mention that only websites are listed. I had to remind them of the formats of sources that can be used.
The focus of this entry is on Assignment Planners. One habit I observe is the last minute rush that occurs to complete an assignment. Students easily fall into a trap in holding off assignments.
I focused on their purpose and the benefits of assignment planners. Then I got them to list the steps that they need to undertake to complete an upcoming assignment.
Once they had listed their steps, the information was transferred onto their Google Calendar. I guided them through the steps in posting each step and how Google Calendars can remind them of when other learning tasks are due. They can easily organise their time.
I even required students to list when they intend to visit the library and to see their teachers, because they are important steps in the research process. How will one obtain information if they don't visit the library? How can one get help at the last minute as opposed to when the task is handed out? As the assignment involves creating an object or model, I went a step further and asked them if they do their research before making the model or after they make the model.
We near the end of the week and yes some of them have dropped in to view the resources we have prepared for them. I look forward to seeing more in the days ahead.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Are you an innovative educator?
It is expected as teachers that we are all innovative educators. This article lists the attributes that an innovative educator would possess.
In a nutshell, an innovative educator is one that is committed to continuous improvement in their teaching. They draw on professional knowledge and practice to apply new ideas. There is constant reflection and improvement along with a desire to improve teaching and learning practice.
In a nutshell, an innovative educator is one that is committed to continuous improvement in their teaching. They draw on professional knowledge and practice to apply new ideas. There is constant reflection and improvement along with a desire to improve teaching and learning practice.
Monday, June 26, 2017
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.
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.
Friday, June 16, 2017
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:
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.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
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?
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?