Category: ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

ETL401 Reflective Practice

Posted on by emma.veitch
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Understanding Information Literacy
I had never thought that finding a simple definition to a word could be so complicated. The ETL401 course introduced the overwhelming concept of information. As I worked my way through each module, it became apparent that information was a complex issue. I soon discovered how challenging the information landscape was for a teacher librarian (TL) to prepare students with the transferable skills for the jobs and technologies of the future (Friend, 2021, March 15). Continue reading “ETL401 Reflective Practice” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Convergence

Posted on by emma.veitch
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In my experience information literacy is something that is assumed knowledge in schools. Teachers are experts at teaching content and skills specific to their subject area, there really is not enough time left to explicitly teach information literacy. Digital citizenship is usually approached from a legal point of view and covers aspects of sexting, cyberbullying and plagiarism as the need arises. Continue reading “Convergence” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Information Literacy Model

Posted on by emma.veitch
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The article by Mandy Lupton discusses ‘Inquiry skills in the Australian Curriculum’ and focuses on the areas of science, history, and geography. When comparing the subject areas, it becomes apparent that the inquiry skills in each subject area do not align neatly across stages. Therefore, opening up the opportunity for a curriculum specialist such as the teacher librarian (TL) to have input in any school wide approach to information literacy. Continue reading “Information Literacy Model” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Twenty-First Century Learning Skills and Accountability

Posted on by emma.veitch
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Time is a big issue when trying to meet the demands of an overcrowded curriculum. In education, there is currently a push to develop skills required by 21st century learners to take into the workforce. This includes covering the requirements outlined in the General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum Priority areas from the Australian Curriculum. The teacher librarian (TL) is perfectly placed to collaborate with classroom teachers to design inquiry units to meet these requirements. Continue reading “Twenty-First Century Learning Skills and Accountability” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

The Teacher Librarian and the Principal

Posted on by emma.veitch
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A supportive partnership between the Teacher Librarian (TL) and the school Principal is important to the success of the school library. If the objective of the library is to support the learning needs of the school community, it makes sense to align the goals of the library with the vision of the school. The strategic directions identified in the school plan will outline the priorities for professional development and the focus of working groups for a three-year period. These strategic directions have been developed to improve outcomes for students, with the specific needs of the learning community in mind. When everyone in the school is working towards a common goal, improvement is likely to follow. Continue reading “The Teacher Librarian and the Principal” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?

Posted on by emma.veitch
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When considering Karen Bonanno’s speech A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the gameplan at the Australian School Library Association conference, I note the following ideas. The role of a teacher librarian is at a crossroads and we all have a choice to make. We work swiftly to become hardworking advocates for the essential position, or we sit back and watch the profession shrink away to extinction. (Bonanno, 2011) It is up to each and every one of us to add value to the role, working productively to ease the pressure of resourcing on our overburdened teaching colleagues. We must position ourselves in schools as leaders, who continue to deliver valuable resources to school communities in an environment of rapid technological change. We must embrace change and become indispensable and unique members of our school learning communities. Continue reading “Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

Teacher Librarian in the Information Landscape

Posted on by emma.veitch
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It has always amazed me how fast the digital revolution has taken hold of our world and how quickly people have transformed and adapted to new ways of working and studying. As a society, our relationship with information has changed rapidly and we have scrambled to keep up with its pace. With increasing consumer awareness about data and privacy and the rise and fall of social media platforms, it is unclear exactly how the digital landscape will evolve. As technology continues to advance, we must be ready to face the next hurdle which presents itself in the digital landscape. Given the complexities of trying to define what information actually is, teacher librarians working in schools face challenges which are in a constant state of fluidity. Continue reading “Teacher Librarian in the Information Landscape” →

Posted in ETL401 Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

The Role of the Teacher Librarian

Posted on by emma.veitch
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A Classroom Teacher Perspective

In the quiet sanctuary of the school library exists a friendly teacher librarian, who absolutely adores books! The shelves are filled with rows of fictional adventures and interesting facts waiting to be discovered by eager young minds. But the school library and its staff offer so much more to the learning community they support. Over my fourteen years of teaching, I have discovered the role of the teacher librarian is many and varied. Continue reading “The Role of the Teacher Librarian” →