Our grade 10 Philosophy class had research in the library today.
I heard one student say, "I love studying in the library".
Music to my ears.
Another came up to me with a book on epistemology saying, "Miss, I didn't realize our library has good books. It's so, varied!"
My heart beat triple time in joy. I smiled to her and replied, "Thank you! We will keep our library books relevant for your learning needs."
Their Philosophy teacher asked, "Miss Zee, Mark (not his real name) is looking for a new topic. The Inductive Method. Which volume of the World Book Encyclopedia will he use and where is it located?"
I was intrigued so I went over to Mark. "How did you come up with that topic? Aren't you assigned to read up on logic?"
"There's a "see Inductive Method" after the last paragraph, Ms. Zee. So I suppose I can look it up in another volume." Mark said.
"Aha! The article is cross referenced" I exclaimed. "Can you show me where the term "see Inductive Method" is found"?
Once he did, I congratulated him for being sharp and for paying attention to what he is reading.
"This topic or entry is cross referenced. It is one way of locating additional information in an encyclopedia." I said.
I then brought him to the set of World Book Encyclopedia, showed him volume "I" and handed it to him. He was all smiles and politely thanked me.
I made a mental note to add cross references as tools in locating information when I do a briefing or a library orientation on the use of encyclopedias. When I do, I will have to emphasize its connection to hyperlinks and the manner in which knowledge can expand and deepened.
Yes. I had a good day at work today.
