Last week, the 6th grade Reading teachers brought back their classes to the GS LRC. The students brought along their borrower's card. This library visit was part of their orientation session. It was an opportune time to practice learned information literacy skills and, to simply enjoy reading. A few borrowed books already upon receipt of their borrower's card last week. However, most of them would not even bother using their borrower's card until the school year ends. I do not have the exact numbers, but most of my grade 6 students stopped borrowing at 4th grade. A good 20% may be avid readers, thus the frequent trips to the library.
I could not pin point reasons why they cease borrowing from the library. Neither do I like to think that reading is confined in the library alone. Reading takes place everyday where ever we are. We read signs, billboards, price tags, cheat codes in magazines, menus, receipts, email and the Internet. But for children to read a book, literature, fiction and non-fiction that are specially selected and acquired based on their developmental and curricular needs is a MUST. Just like the rules and guidelines that schools impose on children to instill self discipline, reading should also be deliberate.
However, encouraging them to read and giving them an opportunity to do so must be one that is positive and relaxing. No pressure to complete a book report afterwards. No grades to think of when a child finished reading a book. Just let them read. And give them time to enjoy it.
That's what we did last week. I let them READ. With the new Reading and Language Arts schedule in our school I hope that through our teacher - librarian collaboration activities, we'll get kids reading again.
Now, the books and other materials we offer is another story! Till next post.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
More Insights
As promised, here the compositions of my students. Enjoy reading them!
The Learning Resource Center is a " Treasure Chest" . The books are the treasure. They are filled with knowledge waiting to be discovered by us, students.
Knowledge is very important in our lives. It is like the food for our minds and it makes us understand everything around us. The more we read, the more we discover, the more we know.
The biggest treasures of our school are found in the LRC.
Matthew Par
The Library is a Sanctuary
For me the libray is a sanctuary because it a place where you can study, read and learn about things. The library is a sanctuary also because if you are bored and have nothing to do you can go to the library. If you find a nice book and you start reading it you will become interested in it and you will keep on reading and you will not notice the time go by.
Personnally I like to spend my free time in the library. I enjoy reading the diffirent books there. If I have homework I do it there because it is a place where I can concentrate.
For me the library is an extension of the classroom because it is a place where you can study. You can also go to the IT lqab and use the computers for reaserch. I use the internet to get the information I need. The library also has an AVR where the class can make a reservation and watch movies or films.
Jospeh Garcia
The LRC to me is a well. A well that provides precious water to someone who is thirsty. A well in the middle of nowhere. When you need answers to questions bugging your mind, you go to the LRC and find them there. Just like a person who is in need of a drink in the jungle or in a remote area, his face lights up upon seeing a well.
When you need information or thirst for knowledge, the LRC is the place to go. It has reference books, magazines, newspapers etc. You will find everything you need at the LRC.
A school is not complete without a library. It is the main part of any learning institution. It is a great source of knowledge just like the well, it is also a great source of life.
Jan Dy Liacco
For me, the role of the GS LRC is to help and guide me in any way it can.
The GS LRC is really a big help for us students. It can make our life easier in many ways. Thanks GS LRC.
Kevin PAtco
The Learning Resource Center is a " Treasure Chest" . The books are the treasure. They are filled with knowledge waiting to be discovered by us, students.
Knowledge is very important in our lives. It is like the food for our minds and it makes us understand everything around us. The more we read, the more we discover, the more we know.
The biggest treasures of our school are found in the LRC.
Matthew Par
The Library is a Sanctuary
For me the libray is a sanctuary because it a place where you can study, read and learn about things. The library is a sanctuary also because if you are bored and have nothing to do you can go to the library. If you find a nice book and you start reading it you will become interested in it and you will keep on reading and you will not notice the time go by.
Personnally I like to spend my free time in the library. I enjoy reading the diffirent books there. If I have homework I do it there because it is a place where I can concentrate.
For me the library is an extension of the classroom because it is a place where you can study. You can also go to the IT lqab and use the computers for reaserch. I use the internet to get the information I need. The library also has an AVR where the class can make a reservation and watch movies or films.
Jospeh Garcia
The LRC to me is a well. A well that provides precious water to someone who is thirsty. A well in the middle of nowhere. When you need answers to questions bugging your mind, you go to the LRC and find them there. Just like a person who is in need of a drink in the jungle or in a remote area, his face lights up upon seeing a well.
When you need information or thirst for knowledge, the LRC is the place to go. It has reference books, magazines, newspapers etc. You will find everything you need at the LRC.
A school is not complete without a library. It is the main part of any learning institution. It is a great source of knowledge just like the well, it is also a great source of life.
Jan Dy Liacco
For me, the role of the GS LRC is to help and guide me in any way it can.
The GS LRC is really a big help for us students. It can make our life easier in many ways. Thanks GS LRC.
Kevin PAtco
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Insights
As enrichment to my GS LRC orientation, I asked my grade 7 students to write a three paragrpah reflection about their school library. In the activity, they thought of a metaphor for teh GS LRC to fully illustrate its rle to their student life. Most have interesting comparisons.
For the next few days, I will be featuring their works in my blog and in the GS LRC's blog. Here are two excerpts from the many submissions I received through XS ELF (in-house courseware).
The library is food waiting to be eaten. All the available information inside it will be useless if not used just like food that gets rotten when not eaten. If we use the information that the library provides nothing will be wasted and knowledge will be given to us.
Knowledge is something that is priceless. It cannot be bought or stolen but it could be obtained by the proper use of information.
Food cannot be digested without chewing and swallowing it just as a library's information cannot be obtained without reading and researching.
Walter Cheng
What is a library? To me a library is a vast forest of information . Why do I say so? It is a forest that has trees with interesting topics such as Science, Math, Fiction, etc. They make up a sprawling forest. The leaves in my "topic trees" are resource books which make up the interesting topics. The undiscovered species, plants and animals are the books I have not read waiting to be discovered and studied. The weather however is my mood as I walk in the library. For example, if I would like to read a scary story the weather in my forest of information is a cold chilly night. If I want to cheer myself up or just relax, I go for the light and entertaining books such as comics like "Lao Fu Zi" (chinese comics).
The library is a place where you can learn new things. For example you could learn about history, sports, science, etc. with the help of newspapers, novels, encyclopedias,etc. You can use the library for your research and studies. You can always access learning programs and sites where you can find useful information . It is also a place where you can have the peace you want while learning new things.
These are some of the many things that come to my mind when I think of a library.That's why I think that the library is a vast forest of information. For every "tree topic", a branch of knowledge is always available where there are leaves of information I can always pick and study.
Michael Tan
For the next few days, I will be featuring their works in my blog and in the GS LRC's blog. Here are two excerpts from the many submissions I received through XS ELF (in-house courseware).
The library is food waiting to be eaten. All the available information inside it will be useless if not used just like food that gets rotten when not eaten. If we use the information that the library provides nothing will be wasted and knowledge will be given to us.
Knowledge is something that is priceless. It cannot be bought or stolen but it could be obtained by the proper use of information.
Food cannot be digested without chewing and swallowing it just as a library's information cannot be obtained without reading and researching.
Walter Cheng
What is a library? To me a library is a vast forest of information . Why do I say so? It is a forest that has trees with interesting topics such as Science, Math, Fiction, etc. They make up a sprawling forest. The leaves in my "topic trees" are resource books which make up the interesting topics. The undiscovered species, plants and animals are the books I have not read waiting to be discovered and studied. The weather however is my mood as I walk in the library. For example, if I would like to read a scary story the weather in my forest of information is a cold chilly night. If I want to cheer myself up or just relax, I go for the light and entertaining books such as comics like "Lao Fu Zi" (chinese comics).
The library is a place where you can learn new things. For example you could learn about history, sports, science, etc. with the help of newspapers, novels, encyclopedias,etc. You can use the library for your research and studies. You can always access learning programs and sites where you can find useful information . It is also a place where you can have the peace you want while learning new things.
These are some of the many things that come to my mind when I think of a library.That's why I think that the library is a vast forest of information. For every "tree topic", a branch of knowledge is always available where there are leaves of information I can always pick and study.
Michael Tan
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
From Teaching to Facilitating
When I get comments on my posts, I feel validated. Whatever the comments are, either in the affirmative or in the negative, I welcome them because these are well springs of ideas. It is in our intercaction with others and in the exchange of insights that we further learn and know more about the we are and the world we live in.
Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised when Ivan Chew of Singapore posted comments on my June 18 post. He clearly has an answer to my question, and it is one taken with a grain of salt. Aside from the tips he enumerated on how the facilitation of ILS can be done, librarians in Singapore face the same issue of dissinterest and inattentiveness among younger clients.
Now that doesn't make me feel so isolated. For the full reply, click here.
Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised when Ivan Chew of Singapore posted comments on my June 18 post. He clearly has an answer to my question, and it is one taken with a grain of salt. Aside from the tips he enumerated on how the facilitation of ILS can be done, librarians in Singapore face the same issue of dissinterest and inattentiveness among younger clients.
Now that doesn't make me feel so isolated. For the full reply, click here.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Orientation Thoughts
So I finished my grade 6 GS LRC Orientation this week. I tried my best to make this one different from their previous orientations. They have had orientations like this in the past and I'm sure that at this point in their grade school lives, they would want to experience something new.
That's why, I divided the class in groups of five. Each group was assigned a topic and set of questions for discussion. The topics varied from the staff of the LRC, to borrowing guidelines, our school's discipline plan and the LRC's plan as well, to the areas and services we offer, and the many library tools and information sources available for their perusal. And true enough, they know the rules, the guidelines and procedures, the references and information sources we provide and the expected behavior in the LRC. However, they do not seem to put these concepts, ideas and skills in practice.
Circulation statistic among grades 6 and 7 is very low. They do not borrow or read books at all. They still perceive that the computers in the Reference and IT Lab can be used for fun and recreation. And if the librarian or the staff isn't looking, they can check on cheat codes and play Ragnarok.
We have softwares to monitor the computer use in our library. We have a staff, though limited in number, who are flexible in adjusting their coffee and lunch breaks to attend to the needs of the students. There are five librarians who are not only expected to do regular routine and technical work in the library, but must also teach information literacy skills. But why do our boys couldn't internalize the importance of the LRC in their academic life?
What else do we have to do?
In the end of each orientation, I pointed out to my grade 6 students that the challenge is two fold. One, they must realize that the library is not only a place where they can borrow books or hangout during free time. Their library is a learning laboratory, an extension of the classroom. And two, their GS LRC can offer them resources that will help them prepare and complete assignemnts, projects and reports that are well thought of.
I do not know where we will go from here. There may be a structured program and a curriculum that guide us all. But the reality of teaching chidren rest on uncertainty. You'll never know what they will bring into the fold no matter how scientific the approaches and methodologies are employed. Then again, the voice of experience will always come a calling.
That's why, I divided the class in groups of five. Each group was assigned a topic and set of questions for discussion. The topics varied from the staff of the LRC, to borrowing guidelines, our school's discipline plan and the LRC's plan as well, to the areas and services we offer, and the many library tools and information sources available for their perusal. And true enough, they know the rules, the guidelines and procedures, the references and information sources we provide and the expected behavior in the LRC. However, they do not seem to put these concepts, ideas and skills in practice.
Circulation statistic among grades 6 and 7 is very low. They do not borrow or read books at all. They still perceive that the computers in the Reference and IT Lab can be used for fun and recreation. And if the librarian or the staff isn't looking, they can check on cheat codes and play Ragnarok.
We have softwares to monitor the computer use in our library. We have a staff, though limited in number, who are flexible in adjusting their coffee and lunch breaks to attend to the needs of the students. There are five librarians who are not only expected to do regular routine and technical work in the library, but must also teach information literacy skills. But why do our boys couldn't internalize the importance of the LRC in their academic life?
What else do we have to do?
In the end of each orientation, I pointed out to my grade 6 students that the challenge is two fold. One, they must realize that the library is not only a place where they can borrow books or hangout during free time. Their library is a learning laboratory, an extension of the classroom. And two, their GS LRC can offer them resources that will help them prepare and complete assignemnts, projects and reports that are well thought of.
I do not know where we will go from here. There may be a structured program and a curriculum that guide us all. But the reality of teaching chidren rest on uncertainty. You'll never know what they will bring into the fold no matter how scientific the approaches and methodologies are employed. Then again, the voice of experience will always come a calling.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Telecollaboration
The Storylady Project I posted last Tuesday is a telecollaborative activity which I was able to do with the help of my Reading coteachers and department coordinators in the school year of 2002-2003.
At that time, I was only aware of the very obvious benefits of IT integration in our Information Literacy Skills Program. My perspective was limited to the attainment of the goals written in the program. Time has afforded me to reflect deeply on the many learning experiences that students may gain from this endeavor.
1. When well prepared and properly designed IT integration activities are done by teachers, students model a more responsible and critical use of ICT's.
2. For students to fully understand and appreciate such activities, they must have a strong foundation on literacy skills development. Other educators may view it as the other way around, that technology develops literacy skills. However, good communication skills and critical thinking are factors that lead to quality facilitation and utility of technology.
3. Students' self identity is further developed when they interact with others via ICT's.
4. Their self worth and motivation increase as they tweak and tinker with technology.
5. They are able to construct their own understanding of the world as they interact with others; becoming more tolerant of others culture; and respectful of others differences.
At that time, I was only aware of the very obvious benefits of IT integration in our Information Literacy Skills Program. My perspective was limited to the attainment of the goals written in the program. Time has afforded me to reflect deeply on the many learning experiences that students may gain from this endeavor.
1. When well prepared and properly designed IT integration activities are done by teachers, students model a more responsible and critical use of ICT's.
2. For students to fully understand and appreciate such activities, they must have a strong foundation on literacy skills development. Other educators may view it as the other way around, that technology develops literacy skills. However, good communication skills and critical thinking are factors that lead to quality facilitation and utility of technology.
3. Students' self identity is further developed when they interact with others via ICT's.
4. Their self worth and motivation increase as they tweak and tinker with technology.
5. They are able to construct their own understanding of the world as they interact with others; becoming more tolerant of others culture; and respectful of others differences.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
IT Integration Week
For this week, I will be posting IT Integration activities that I have done in the past including future teaching strategies involving the use of technology by teachers and students. And because I am still in the thick of things with lesson planning and preparation of instructional materials for my GS LRC Orientation this week, let me tell you about the courseware that I will be using for the first time with my grade 7 students.
The courseware was designed by Mr. Peter Martin Gomez, our IT Consultant. He has taken the laborious job of updating the database of students as well as creating an account for me. Thanks Martin! There was a time when computer people and school librarians never get to see eye to eye. But times have changed. We're more open to possible collaborations from different experts and the technocrats are beginning to appreciate our role in education. Now back to the courseware. It's dubbed as Xavier School eLearning Framework (XS ELF). It was first used by our brilliant school director, Fr. Johnny Go, SJ during the UbD Study circle where I happen to be one of his students. It's easy to use and teacher friendly.
Right now, I'm perusing over my content and deciding which ones are worthy of putting in the courseware. As much as I advocate the use of ITC's, I am also ever so carefull in designing lessons through these technology. Above all else, learning objectives and assessment must come first before specific techniques and strategies. Using ICT's are tools to achieve learning objectives. It assists in the facilitation of assessment and evaluation of learning. As always, this utility must be in context of the learner.
Now here is an IT Integration success story I wish to share with you. Do give me comments, questions and feedback.
Till next post!
The courseware was designed by Mr. Peter Martin Gomez, our IT Consultant. He has taken the laborious job of updating the database of students as well as creating an account for me. Thanks Martin! There was a time when computer people and school librarians never get to see eye to eye. But times have changed. We're more open to possible collaborations from different experts and the technocrats are beginning to appreciate our role in education. Now back to the courseware. It's dubbed as Xavier School eLearning Framework (XS ELF). It was first used by our brilliant school director, Fr. Johnny Go, SJ during the UbD Study circle where I happen to be one of his students. It's easy to use and teacher friendly.
Right now, I'm perusing over my content and deciding which ones are worthy of putting in the courseware. As much as I advocate the use of ITC's, I am also ever so carefull in designing lessons through these technology. Above all else, learning objectives and assessment must come first before specific techniques and strategies. Using ICT's are tools to achieve learning objectives. It assists in the facilitation of assessment and evaluation of learning. As always, this utility must be in context of the learner.
Now here is an IT Integration success story I wish to share with you. Do give me comments, questions and feedback.
Till next post!
Friday, June 10, 2005
I got HALOSCAN!
Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.
Now someone help me get the banner of haloscan, please. I can't seem to find it in the website. (Go ahead vonjobi, boink me on the head.)
Now someone help me get the banner of haloscan, please. I can't seem to find it in the website. (Go ahead vonjobi, boink me on the head.)
Good News!
Another Filipina won international recognition in the field of population research and policy.
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Book Donations
In speaking engagements, I usually get requests for donations. A lot of school and public libraries out there are wanting and needing of books! Precious books! I often give them the name of my boss (haha!) and her contact address and number so that they may write her for donations.
After finishing the summer inventory, we have a good number of books, still in very good condition and substantially usefull, for giving away. While we have adopted a barangay library in Pasig to deposit our books, we consider other donees as well.
This morning I got an email asking for referrals. The person obviously have books to give so I sent her my reply. How very timely! Things can fall into place without even trying. You see, this is the first week of June and I'm scheduled to posts about BOOKS and READING ADVOCACY. To the lady looking for libraries to house her books, I thank you!
For those who are in the same predicament,or will be, here are some tips to make book donation a fulfilling experience.
From my Yahoomail-
Thank you for your interest on helping Philippine libraries grow in terms of collection. We in the profession surely need people like you.
There are many ways to help.
1. If you have a barangay library near you, just talk to the barangay captain and tell him/her your intent. There are no barangay librarians in most of these libraries, only secretaries who check the library once in a while.
2. If you know of a public school library, visit the school principal and again, tell her your intent. They would be happy to receive donations.
3. If you have kids, your own or not, try calling the school librarian and inform her that you have books for donation. In my school, we have bookfairs where parents buy and/or donate books to the school library. The librarian will be vary happy to get the support of parents or adults on this matter.
4. And then there are public libraries you can call. Here are my recommendations -
Museo Pambata Library - 523-1797 / 523-1798 fax - 5221246
Ms. Evelyn Nabus of Marikina Public Library - 639183540584
Ms. Ethel Villafranca of Children's Library Foundation - ethel_childrenslib@yahoo.com / 395-2112
I am recommending these people/libraries because I'm confident that they have a staff who will take care of your books. Their libraries also have a steady flow of clients who visit frequently. They would welcome books for kids,as well as for adult readers.
Happy book donating day!
After finishing the summer inventory, we have a good number of books, still in very good condition and substantially usefull, for giving away. While we have adopted a barangay library in Pasig to deposit our books, we consider other donees as well.
This morning I got an email asking for referrals. The person obviously have books to give so I sent her my reply. How very timely! Things can fall into place without even trying. You see, this is the first week of June and I'm scheduled to posts about BOOKS and READING ADVOCACY. To the lady looking for libraries to house her books, I thank you!
For those who are in the same predicament,or will be, here are some tips to make book donation a fulfilling experience.
From my Yahoomail-
Thank you for your interest on helping Philippine libraries grow in terms of collection. We in the profession surely need people like you.
There are many ways to help.
1. If you have a barangay library near you, just talk to the barangay captain and tell him/her your intent. There are no barangay librarians in most of these libraries, only secretaries who check the library once in a while.
2. If you know of a public school library, visit the school principal and again, tell her your intent. They would be happy to receive donations.
3. If you have kids, your own or not, try calling the school librarian and inform her that you have books for donation. In my school, we have bookfairs where parents buy and/or donate books to the school library. The librarian will be vary happy to get the support of parents or adults on this matter.
4. And then there are public libraries you can call. Here are my recommendations -
Museo Pambata Library - 523-1797 / 523-1798 fax - 5221246
Ms. Evelyn Nabus of Marikina Public Library - 639183540584
Ms. Ethel Villafranca of Children's Library Foundation - ethel_childrenslib@yahoo.com / 395-2112
I am recommending these people/libraries because I'm confident that they have a staff who will take care of your books. Their libraries also have a steady flow of clients who visit frequently. They would welcome books for kids,as well as for adult readers.
Happy book donating day!
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Please leave a comment
Now I figured what went wrong with my Bloglet subscription. To all my friends and colleagues who are subscribed in my blog, please leave a comment in my blog if you recieve updates.
Thanks
Thanks
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Rivera Looks Back and Writes Ahead
Augie Rivera, scriptwriter and Palanca award winner has a new story for young readers available online. Elias and His Tress, an adaptation from the French folklore, The Man Who Planted Tress by Jean Giono can be read via the CANVAS website. CANVAS is a non-stock, non-profit organization committed to promoting Philippine art, culture and environment. Thus, the story is accompanied with lucid illustrations by the promising young painter,Romeo Forbes.
What strikes me as awesome in Rivera's adaptation is the interplay of genres. He has successfully blended historical fiction with folklore. More so, he has enriched the story of Elias and His Trees with the unique colors of Philippine family life and culture. Rivera's ability to dabble with culture and history comes into full circle with Elias and His Trees. Having written fifteen stories for children that highlight the distinctive Filipino spirit and identity that is both contemporary and fresh, Rivera has achieved this trademark that is truly his own.
It took him three to four months to finish the story. But it had been four years since he last released a book. This time around, he is one of the few Filipino Children's Literauture Writer to have an ebook.
Elias and His Trees is a calming read. It is one of those stories that would quiet you down, prompting the reader to reflect. Rivera claims that his influence while writing was Hayao Miyazaki. The narrative is fluid and the characters are convincingly real.The opening lines of the story are an immediate invitation to reading it. Every Filipino, young and old alike, can relate to the mystery attributed to moles. How the story ended up as an eco-fable that sings the importance of one's cultural heritage and environmental awareness is something the reader is out to discover.
Read the story and let it touch you. The story has something for all of us, Filipinos. When you do, I further suggest that you share it with a child- your son, daughter, nieces, nephews, students, neighbor, even the child in you. Let Rivera take you back to history and allow him, the writer, to show a glimpse of our future in our own context.
After all, we are what we were.
June 13, 2005 is the soft launching and painting exhibit of Elias and His Trees at the Glorietta 4, 6:00 pm. The book is in paperback and hardcover, with an accompanying audio CD recording in English and Filipino. Music by Paolo Santos.
Other books by Augie Rivera - Ang Alamat ng Ampalaya, Xilef, Alamat ng Sibuyas, Burnay : Ang Batang Palayok and Batang Historyador Series RELATED POST
On top of all things
What strikes me as awesome in Rivera's adaptation is the interplay of genres. He has successfully blended historical fiction with folklore. More so, he has enriched the story of Elias and His Trees with the unique colors of Philippine family life and culture. Rivera's ability to dabble with culture and history comes into full circle with Elias and His Trees. Having written fifteen stories for children that highlight the distinctive Filipino spirit and identity that is both contemporary and fresh, Rivera has achieved this trademark that is truly his own.
It took him three to four months to finish the story. But it had been four years since he last released a book. This time around, he is one of the few Filipino Children's Literauture Writer to have an ebook.
Elias and His Trees is a calming read. It is one of those stories that would quiet you down, prompting the reader to reflect. Rivera claims that his influence while writing was Hayao Miyazaki. The narrative is fluid and the characters are convincingly real.The opening lines of the story are an immediate invitation to reading it. Every Filipino, young and old alike, can relate to the mystery attributed to moles. How the story ended up as an eco-fable that sings the importance of one's cultural heritage and environmental awareness is something the reader is out to discover.
Read the story and let it touch you. The story has something for all of us, Filipinos. When you do, I further suggest that you share it with a child- your son, daughter, nieces, nephews, students, neighbor, even the child in you. Let Rivera take you back to history and allow him, the writer, to show a glimpse of our future in our own context.
After all, we are what we were.
June 13, 2005 is the soft launching and painting exhibit of Elias and His Trees at the Glorietta 4, 6:00 pm. The book is in paperback and hardcover, with an accompanying audio CD recording in English and Filipino. Music by Paolo Santos.
Other books by Augie Rivera - Ang Alamat ng Ampalaya, Xilef, Alamat ng Sibuyas, Burnay : Ang Batang Palayok and Batang Historyador Series RELATED POST
On top of all things
Monday, June 6, 2005
Want Ad
From Astrid Tobias. Spread the word!
The Manila Bureau of the Kabataan News Network (KNN) is currently looking for new youth reporters aged 15-17 who reside in the Greater Manila Area. Interviews will be held on June 11, 1 pm at The Probe Foundation Office at Unit 505 116 Maginhawa St. Teachers Village, Quezon City. Interested parties can send their contact information at knn_ (at) hotmail.com cc: atobias (at) gmail.com.
The Manila Bureau of the Kabataan News Network (KNN) is currently looking for new youth reporters aged 15-17 who reside in the Greater Manila Area. Interviews will be held on June 11, 1 pm at The Probe Foundation Office at Unit 505 116 Maginhawa St. Teachers Village, Quezon City. Interested parties can send their contact information at knn_ (at) hotmail.com cc: atobias (at) gmail.com.
Sunday, June 5, 2005
Recovered Posts!
Many thanks to Von! He sent along my missing posts when I was tinkering with feedburner. Now I wonder why my counter isn't working. Sigh. Technology!
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Kids and Research Part I
Some note worthy feedback that our science teachers pointed out
yesterday in my talk with them on research, Information Literacy and
the Big Six.
Kids today when asked to do research...
1. Repel at the task because it entails a lot of reading from print resources.
2. Would request that they take it home and work on it there.
3. Are more comfortable using elecronic and multimedia resources.
4. Get lost and doesn't know where to begin.
5. Have mixed feelings on doing or starting the task.
Given these observations, it is interesting to probe deeper into the
learning process involved in research and how kids can be taught these
processes to become better at it. It also has implications to how
literacy is taught to them in the primary grades, likewise, on their
utility of library resources as learning tools in completeting
research work.
It seems that I have stumbled upon a mystery that needs to be solved.
It's time to begin researching...
posted by eruannie @ Saturday, May 21, 2005 1 comments
=====
vonjobi said...
since they're more comfortable online, why not use the power of the
blog? check out Developments in the SG Blogosphere. or you can also
tell teachers that the library will take care of posting the best
works (that parents, relatives, friends, etc., can browse). one more
role that the librarian can take on easily... and promote the library,
too =)
Thursday, May 26, 2005 9:04:31 AM
Luthien of the Woods said...
Hello maam,
I am a theological librarian here in Davao City. You have sent a
comment to my post but i have changed address to another
blogspot.Instead of Fellowship of the Bookworms, now it's simply
called ktslibrary. Here is the new blogsite:
http://www.ktslibrary.blog-city.com
Thanks! I also want to include u in my link for other blog sites that i have.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:43:15 AM
eruannie said...
luthien, thanks for the info. i'll soon make changes. i see you are a
tolkien fan, like me.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:48:16 AM
eruannie said...
von, thanks. geez, haven't commented on your site yet. anyways, i'll
look up the link. thanks a lot.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:48:59 AM
=====
Friday, May 20, 2005
Talking to Teachers
I had the opportunity to share with our Grade School Science teachers
some important ideas on Information Literacy,the Big Six Research
Model and the utility of library tools for research. And it had been
an enriching, as well as insightful experience.
It was enriching because, I was able to get an information off hand on
the problems they encounter when assigning research work to students.
My colleagues in the GS LRC were also there to hear the clamor of
science teachers for the availability of library resources; monitoring
of students when using our facilities and materials, plus, the concern
for longer periods of time given to such endeavors. As a response, I
told them about the challenges that we all face as global teachers.
One of which is to form students who can interact, contribute an
docmpete in the global arena.
For students to be global learners, it is essential that they become
Information Literate. Information literate people are metacognitive
thinkers and independent learners who are aware of their social
responsibilities. In the context of science education, this can be
achieved through effective research strategies taught in the
classroom.
Dr. MG Concepcion, the Science Coordinator brought out the half baked
skill of students to draw out conclusions from science experiments and
activities. He asked how this skill can be enhanced with in the Big 6
Framework. This question provided me with the insight to include
higher order thinking skills in one of the steps of the Big 6 which is
SYNTHESIS. Since drawing out conclusions is a skill, it must be
exercised and practiced across subject areas. Isn't it that learning
can happen in repetition?
In the end, I gave short book talks of current references available in
the GS LRC and web enhanced teaching strategies.
posted by eruannie @ Friday, May 20, 2005 0 comments
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Kids and Research Part I
Some note worthy feedback that our science teachers pointed out
yesterday in my talk with them on research, Information Literacy and
the Big Six.
Kids today when asked to do research...
1. Repel at the task because it entails a lot of reading from print resources.
2. Would request that they take it home and work on it there.
3. Are more comfortable using elecronic and multimedia resources.
4. Get lost and doesn't know where to begin.
5. Have mixed feelings on doing or starting the task.
Given these observations, it is interesting to probe deeper into the
learning process involved in research and how kids can be taught these
processes to become better at it. It also has implications to how
literacy is taught to them in the primary grades, likewise, on their
utility of library resources as learning tools in completeting
research work.
It seems that I have stumbled upon a mystery that needs to be solved.
It's time to begin researching...
posted by eruannie @ Saturday, May 21, 2005 1 comments
=====
vonjobi said...
since they're more comfortable online, why not use the power of the
blog? check out Developments in the SG Blogosphere. or you can also
tell teachers that the library will take care of posting the best
works (that parents, relatives, friends, etc., can browse). one more
role that the librarian can take on easily... and promote the library,
too =)
Thursday, May 26, 2005 9:04:31 AM
Luthien of the Woods said...
Hello maam,
I am a theological librarian here in Davao City. You have sent a
comment to my post but i have changed address to another
blogspot.Instead of Fellowship of the Bookworms, now it's simply
called ktslibrary. Here is the new blogsite:
http://www.ktslibrary.blog-city.com
Thanks! I also want to include u in my link for other blog sites that i have.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:43:15 AM
eruannie said...
luthien, thanks for the info. i'll soon make changes. i see you are a
tolkien fan, like me.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:48:16 AM
eruannie said...
von, thanks. geez, haven't commented on your site yet. anyways, i'll
look up the link. thanks a lot.
Friday, May 27, 2005 9:48:59 AM
=====
Friday, May 20, 2005
Talking to Teachers
I had the opportunity to share with our Grade School Science teachers
some important ideas on Information Literacy,the Big Six Research
Model and the utility of library tools for research. And it had been
an enriching, as well as insightful experience.
It was enriching because, I was able to get an information off hand on
the problems they encounter when assigning research work to students.
My colleagues in the GS LRC were also there to hear the clamor of
science teachers for the availability of library resources; monitoring
of students when using our facilities and materials, plus, the concern
for longer periods of time given to such endeavors. As a response, I
told them about the challenges that we all face as global teachers.
One of which is to form students who can interact, contribute an
docmpete in the global arena.
For students to be global learners, it is essential that they become
Information Literate. Information literate people are metacognitive
thinkers and independent learners who are aware of their social
responsibilities. In the context of science education, this can be
achieved through effective research strategies taught in the
classroom.
Dr. MG Concepcion, the Science Coordinator brought out the half baked
skill of students to draw out conclusions from science experiments and
activities. He asked how this skill can be enhanced with in the Big 6
Framework. This question provided me with the insight to include
higher order thinking skills in one of the steps of the Big 6 which is
SYNTHESIS. Since drawing out conclusions is a skill, it must be
exercised and practiced across subject areas. Isn't it that learning
can happen in repetition?
In the end, I gave short book talks of current references available in
the GS LRC and web enhanced teaching strategies.
posted by eruannie @ Friday, May 20, 2005 0 comments
Thursday, June 2, 2005
School Library Blogs
How many school libraries in the Philippines have a blog? Xavier School's Grade School library has!
The blog still has to be launched. Here is an excerpt from the proposal:
In schools, the school librarians take on this delicate role. They have to deal with a more special client – teachers and students. As articulated in the UNESCO/IFLA School Library Manifesto, “The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens”, librarians must inevitably collaborate with teachers to make this manifest.
A school librarian-created blog is like an agent that feed teachers with online resources that are essential to making instruction engaging and student centered. It can furnish the classroom teacher with current trends, updates, news and views on education in general and teaching in particular. Through this, school librarians are helping teachers teach better. After all, both are concerned with student learning.
For students, a school librarian- created blog is a tool that enhances learning acquired from the classroom. The skills and knowledge they learn in the classroom is put into practice in actual and practical situations. Using the many resources and materials in the school library is one example where students apply these skills and concepts. A more concrete example is when students use an encyclopedia or locating a topic in an online database to complete a term paper or project. Another good example to amplify this learning process further, is when students borrow on their own initiative, a book, an AV material or multimedia to fill gaps in their learning and make connections with in their own experiences.
The school librarian- created blog functions as an agent and communication tool geared towards learning and instruction
I will be posting about further developments on this project.
The blog still has to be launched. Here is an excerpt from the proposal:
In schools, the school librarians take on this delicate role. They have to deal with a more special client – teachers and students. As articulated in the UNESCO/IFLA School Library Manifesto, “The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens”, librarians must inevitably collaborate with teachers to make this manifest.
A school librarian-created blog is like an agent that feed teachers with online resources that are essential to making instruction engaging and student centered. It can furnish the classroom teacher with current trends, updates, news and views on education in general and teaching in particular. Through this, school librarians are helping teachers teach better. After all, both are concerned with student learning.
For students, a school librarian- created blog is a tool that enhances learning acquired from the classroom. The skills and knowledge they learn in the classroom is put into practice in actual and practical situations. Using the many resources and materials in the school library is one example where students apply these skills and concepts. A more concrete example is when students use an encyclopedia or locating a topic in an online database to complete a term paper or project. Another good example to amplify this learning process further, is when students borrow on their own initiative, a book, an AV material or multimedia to fill gaps in their learning and make connections with in their own experiences.
The school librarian- created blog functions as an agent and communication tool geared towards learning and instruction
I will be posting about further developments on this project.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
The Filipina in Children's Literature : A Continuation
In the story, Villanueva presents the Filipina as a woman blessed with the inner strength and the tenacity to weather through the storms of life. These enduring qualities are embedded in the Filipinas’ genetic code. How it got into the genes of every Filipina was not explained in the book. Filipinas are made that way, and that is enough explanation. It is a natural phenomenon. Villanueva enumerates the Filipina heroes in our culture and history to amplify this.
But, before all these gallant Filipina heroes walked on Philippine terrain, there lived Lola. She was every Filipino’s grandmother. For those living by the river, in the lowlands and the mountains, she was the grand matriarch whose resolve to face dangers and life challenges is unyielding. With her extremely long, strong, beautiful hair, she saved them from disaster. She never lost hope. She was relentless. She was larger than life.
This doesn’t mean that she was a pure amazon though. Lola was also gentle and, “kikay”. She took precious care of her long hair as any woman does. Her hair was her crowning glory.
The child reader can definitely relate to this image of the Filipina. For one, every child has a wise grandmother who has seen past the foolishness of youth. A grandmother who tells the most fascinating of stories; who cooks the best sinigang or pinakbet; who keeps her promises and fulfills her word. Second, this image is very familiar. It is an image that is a part of every Filipino child’s life. It is not a distant character culled out from some foreign TV show or western pop culture. It is real and close to home.
The story celebrates the formidable Filipina as characterized through the Lolas we have in our families. Our children, particularly our girls, need to see them as magnified through these kinds of stories. The Filipina can assert her identity in the global arena with a cognizance of their heritage and a bold claim of their legacy.
But, before all these gallant Filipina heroes walked on Philippine terrain, there lived Lola. She was every Filipino’s grandmother. For those living by the river, in the lowlands and the mountains, she was the grand matriarch whose resolve to face dangers and life challenges is unyielding. With her extremely long, strong, beautiful hair, she saved them from disaster. She never lost hope. She was relentless. She was larger than life.
This doesn’t mean that she was a pure amazon though. Lola was also gentle and, “kikay”. She took precious care of her long hair as any woman does. Her hair was her crowning glory.
The child reader can definitely relate to this image of the Filipina. For one, every child has a wise grandmother who has seen past the foolishness of youth. A grandmother who tells the most fascinating of stories; who cooks the best sinigang or pinakbet; who keeps her promises and fulfills her word. Second, this image is very familiar. It is an image that is a part of every Filipino child’s life. It is not a distant character culled out from some foreign TV show or western pop culture. It is real and close to home.
The story celebrates the formidable Filipina as characterized through the Lolas we have in our families. Our children, particularly our girls, need to see them as magnified through these kinds of stories. The Filipina can assert her identity in the global arena with a cognizance of their heritage and a bold claim of their legacy.
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