School library media candidates model and promote collaborative planning with classroom teachers in order to teach concepts and skills of information processes integrated with classroom content. They partner with other education professionals to develop and deliver an integrated information skills curriculum. Candidates design and implement instruction that engages the student's interests, passions, and needs which drive their learning.
Evidence: I-Search
Summary- An I-Search is an inquiry-based research project that is designed to actively engage the student in the research process. It is based around essential questions that are developed by the student because of the student's needs or personal interests. Because of this, the student is more attentive to what is being researched as it applies to his or her own life.
Reflection
- The I-Search gave me a wealth of knowledge regarding researching techniques and skills I was unaware of, even after teaching for eight years. I had always completed research projects using the old index card method. Since that was the way I knew, I instructed my students in the method as well. I believe the learning logs that were used to complete the I-Search were much more concise and manageable than index cards. It was also enjoyable to be able to choose a topic that applied to my life.
Self-Assessment
- I loved completing this project and gained new insight into the world of online dating. I couldn't believe how many different types of online dating sites there actually were, some extremely specific as to who could join and who could not. I was also not aware that there were free online dating sites on the Internet. The interesting part for me was that my research did not conclude with the submission of this assignment. I discovered another free online dating site almost a year after completing my I-search and it was through this site that I met my husband.
Evidence: Collaborative Unit
Summary
- Collaborative planning benefits media specialists, teachers, and students through a sharing of responsibilities and knowledge. The media specialist assumes the role of the information literacy expert, instructing students in concepts and skills related to research and information literacy. The classroom teacher instructs the students in any and all subject content that is required.
Reflection
- Collaboration between media specialists and teachers is pivotal, especially when considering that we are living in a time when some politicians would like to remove media specialists from schools under the premise that they do not affect student learning. The implementation of this unit would help to prove that media specialists can have a monumental role in student learning, as well as acquiring teachers' trust in the media specialist's desire to assist in educating their students.
Self-Assessment
- I found it extremely difficult at first to play the role of the media specialist instead of the classroom teacher. I constantly had to check that I was only planning to instruct the students in information literacy skills and not content. However, it was very easy to collaborate with the teacher, most likely due to the fact that I am a teacher as well. I believe that my having taught in the classroom for eight years will benefit my collaboration efforts in the future. Teachers will feel like I understand their positions and where they are coming from because, having been a classroom teacher myself, I actually do!