With Readers and RAPers (2 of 2)

Delivering a plenary session during the RAP Demofest was a meaningful experience for me. It was a platform for me to advocate the roles that school librarians play in teaching and learning, especially where Information Literacy skills is concerned. Not many school librarians are given this opportunity, so I treasure this very much indeed. I also had the honor of listening to Dr. Dina Ocampo delivers the keynote address.

Since the theme of the Demofest is about multiliteracies, Dr. Ocampo focused her keynote on the teaching of critical thinking and comprehension. Using critical theory as a base of her claim, teachers are all the more challenged to continuously examine and reflect on teaching practices. It was an inspiring and thoughtful keynote All the more,  I am prompted to look at my own teaching practices in a scholarly approach towards professional development. This means, applying research on professional practice and doing self assessment and evaluation to its effects. 

Easier said than done, I know. But there is no better way to begin than today. And, build allies along the way. I am sure of one thing. My participation in the RAP Demofest has definitely strengthened the awareness of  teacher-librarian partnerships. At the same time, RAP is valuable ally in our (school librarians) quest for the advocacy of literacy. 

How to forge a formidable alliance? The adventure continues! 

Call for Papers: RAP Demofest 2009

The Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) is pleased to announce its Midyear Demofest 2009 to be held in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on November 12 (Thursday), 13 (Friday), and 14 (Saturday), 2009. This demonstration festival of RAP members and literacy educators, professors, and specialists is on the theme: Reading Comprehension Across the Curriculum.

To enrich the experience of participants in this demofest, the RAP enjoins enthusiasts, researchers, academics, practitioners, and teachers of literacy education (in the mother tongue, Filipino, and/or English) to submit proposals for demonstration lessons. Through this, the RAP aims to bring together professionals and advocates from various parts of the country to share their best practices on literacy education in relation to the following strands:

1. Comprehension in the Language and Literacy Curriculum
2. Comprehension in the Disciplines
3. Comprehension among Struggling Readers and Special Learners

Please take note of the following guidelines:

1. Outline of Proposal
I. Strand:

II. Title of Lesson:

III. Target Audience: (Early Grades/Primary, Intermediate, High School, or Tertiary)

IV. Proponent/s (maximum of 2) and Contact Information

A. Name/s:
B. Institutional Affiliation/s:
C. Mailing and/or Email Address/es:
D. Telephone/Fax/Mobile Number/s:

V. Lesson Plan
A. Objectives
B. Subject Matter and Reference/s
C. Materials
D. Procedure
E. Assessment/Evaluation
2. Length of Proposal: maximum of 3 pages (8.5” x 11”), single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over
3. Duration of Lesson: 1 hour

The deadline for the submission of proposals is on September 15, 2009. Proposals may be submitted to the RAP Midyear Demofest 2009 Conference Director, Prof. Portia P. Padilla, through rapdemofest09@gmail.com or the Reading Department of the UP College of Education (Diliman, Quezon City). Notice of acceptance will be given by September 30, 2009.

Proponents of accepted proposals have to submit a final semi-detailed lesson plan (maximum of 5 pages: 8.5” x 11”, single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over), together with an explanation of its theoretical underpinnings (maximum of 2 pages: 8.5” x 11”, single-spaced, Arial 12, with 1” margins all over), not later than October 15, 2009. These theoretical underpinnings will be explained to the participants before the start of the actual teaching demonstration.

Presenters will not pay any registration fee. However, they are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.