sUPER SIX ASSIGNMENTS

i-SEARCH

Standards:

  • AASL One
    • Efficient & Ethical Information-Seeking Behavior
  • AASL Two
    • Information Literacy Curriculum

Reflection:

The I-Search was the most inspiring assignment that I completed during my studies. This is because I find that this is a very practical tool for many students. The assignment was to apply the I-Search research process and complete personal research as we would have students do.

The I-Search process is a research "process model" that guides students through a process to answer questions and solve problems. Therefore, it serves as part of an Information Literacy Curriculum (AASL Standard Two). The students establish the area or question they are trying to answer and then research various forms of information (media, internet, encyclopedia, etc.) to determine the answer. The catch is that the question must be one in which the student has to construct the answer; it needs to be a question of the higher order and not simply answered by an enclopedia excerpt.

One goal of this process is to foster students' ability to draw conclusions and create their own arguments. Students can easily fall into the trap of plagiarism and believing everything that they read. The method of the research logs and the double draft entry teaches students how to research and analyze the information that they are gathering. Being required to construct their own ideas, the students are less likely to plagiarize which supports AASL Standard One.

My topic, project and reflection are available through the links below. This experience gave me the excuse to finally research something that I have always had questions about. It also made me aware of the many biases in all forms of literature today.

 

Documents:

ORDER

Standards:

  • AASL One
    • Literacy & Reading
    • Access to Information
  • AASL Four
    • Managing Information Resources

Reflection:

For the Order assignment, my group was given a certain amount of money to purchase books for the media center. As a group we had to choose an area(s) or subject to focus on for the book order, provide rationalization and support for each selection, as well create a presentation for the fictional media committee.

My partners Cliff Garrett, Aaron Lines and I focused in on a weak area of the school's collection from our Program Development and Evaluation Plan (PDEP). This area, multicultural literature, was listed as an area for improvement in the goals of our PDEP.

The next step involved some prioritization. For example, the types of cultures that should be included in our order, the amount of money spent for each book, and whether books in other languages should be purchased. Also, without seeing the books, we had to decide if it was something that an elementary student would or could read.

We used the Titlewave program to help determine which books would meet our criteria. This program is developed by the publishing company, but it includes book reviews from various sources, curriculum alignment to Georgia Performance Standards, as well as grade level and topic classifications.

Documents:

pROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & eVALUATION PLAN (pdep)

Standards:

  • AASL One
    • Access to Information
    • Stimulating Learning Environment
  • AASL Three
    • Instructional Partner
    April 22, 2007"#AASLStandardFour">AASL Four
    • Managing Program Resources
    • Comprehensive and Collaborative Planning & Assessment

Reflection:

This assignment was one of the most encompassing and all-inclusive projects I feel we were assigned. The Program Development and Evaluation Plan (PDEP) describes the building and creation of a fictitious library program. Included are: school description, philosophy, mission statement, service overview, facilities, budget sources, media committee, personnel, long-range and short-range goals, budgeting plan, plan for planning and evaluation, overarching themes and an executive summary.

Working with a fictitious media center was a challenge, but my partner, Cliff Garrett and I tried our best to pattern it after his media center. This gave us a practical example to pattern goals after, plan a budget for a list services of.

The budget was difficult as we had to try and account for each category of expense. This can be challenging as each school utilizes and pays for media center equipment such as laminating, light bulbs for projectors. In completing the budget, I realized for the first time how challenging this can be in these financial times. As many media centers have struggled to make decisions to charge for laminating as well as overdue fines in order to make up the budget difference.

Documents:

  • PDEP (PDF Document)

COLLABORATIVE UNIT

Standards:

  • AASL Two
    • Effective & Knowledgeable Teacher
    • Knowledge of Learners & Learning
  • AASL Three
    • Instructional Partner

Reflection:

This assignment was like second nature to me as I collaborate with my peers quite often. What was different about this assignment, however, was the depth at which I was involved in the planning process. What usually happens when I bounce ideas off of my peers in the science department is that we discuss various activities that might go well, what resources we could use and finally how to grade it.

This assignment took it further and required me to incorporate an information process model into the mix. The thought process ensures that the lessons not only apply to the Georgia Performance Standards but also enhance the learning of students with a variey of learning styles.

In addition, this project encouraged us to step out and work with a peer. This is one of my ultimate goals as I enter the media center and I feel that this project really helped me learn how to approach other teachers in an effort to create great lessons that incorporate information literacy standards.

Documents:

INTERNSHIP

Standards:

  • AASL Three
    • Educational Leader
    • Connection with the Library Community

Reflection & Documents:

  • This information is not available online

Praxis II

  • This information is not available online.

Back to Top