Topic 1 - Teaching and Learning

                                                                        behaviourist

constructivist

This topic is all about the teacher librarian and teaching and learning. There are some things that have been covered in this topic that, as I read/listened to them, I had a flashback to ACU roughly 20 years ago!

One question asked by James Herring in his podcast was what the learning context of your school was. I would have to say that, for the most part, HS is constructivist. Having said that, there are some teachers there that pride themselves on how technologically savvy they are - only to use IWBs as regular whiteboards would be used ie to copy down information. BLOOMS is used in many classrooms in many different ways. Some of the Stage 2/3 classes seem to favour deBono with the coloured thinking hats prominently displayed in their rooms. I have never incorporated deBono myself, but that is purely because I am familiar with BLOOMS. The main point is that all stages in our school embrace HOTS and incorporate it into their classrooms.

Currently in Year 1 we are using BLOOMS in our shared reading unit for The Paperbag Princess. This is a fantastic unit of work where the children are not only encouraged, but expected to engage in HOTS throughout the term.

The question of how TLs can help develop better teachers was fantastic. I question though how many teachers would agree????? Many seem to see the role of the TL as predominently librarian and information/resource management, rather than teacher. I know that this is an area which TLs need to address in order for the profession to continue.

I particularly liked a comment by Bronwyn Sanderman (Topic 1 Reflection) posted on the forums:

'While we have a job to help locate resources, we also have a job to educate and help others how to do it themselves'