AASL Standard 2

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.

Project:  I-Search (Action Plan, Reflection)

Summary:  The I-Search is an inquiry-based type of research process that focuses on a student’s personal interests. The student’s intrinsic quest to discover answers or find a solution makes this type of research more meaningful to students.

Justification:  The I-Search is an ideal collaborative opportunity between the classroom teacher and the school library media specialists. Working together, the teacher and the media specialist can help facilitate student inquiry, learning, research, and information processing. What begins in the classroom under the guidance and direction of the teacher as a project focusing on students’ interests transforms into a great opportunity for the media specialist to show students how to effectively search for information.

I am excited about sharing this process with more teachers. It is also a great opportunity to share effective researching strategies with the students. The resource finding will be made easier once students understand how to identify key words. Once students have pinpointed a few key terms, they can use these to more efficiently find resources that are directly related to their search. The successes that students encounter while working on their personal research needs will spark their enthusiasm to apply these same strategies to future research needs.

Project:  Collaborative Unit (Worksheet, Curriculum Map)

Summary:  In order to teach concepts and information literacy skills that are related to the various content areas, the media center specialists forges a relationship with teachers that fosters collaborative planning opportunities.

Justification:  This unit requires collaboration between the media specialist and the classroom teacher. Both individuals carefully plan the unit so that it covers content information while integrating information literacy into the unit. Using each of their professional skills and background knowledge, they can help students master various curriculum standards. The lessons and goals will make learning meaningful and enjoyable and will lead to life-long learners.

I worked with two social studies teachers and a Spanish teacher. Working with the Spanish teacher allowed me the opportunity of working with a teacher and a subject that I rarely see utilizing the knowledge and resources that a media specialist can offer. Taking advantage of this opportunity gave me the experience and practice that I will need in order to successfully approach and work with teachers of all content areas. In planning the units, I was able to see if the media center’s resources were meeting the curriculum needs of the students and teachers.

Portfolio

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