Chapter 5 was short and sweet...but it was just what I needed to get myself in gear. Plus Suzanne's inspirational email about her template from the print shop didn't hurt. I love the rational behind having this type of template, I wonder how I have managed so long without one. Well, when I was younger the mind was a steel trap and I remembered things...now, not so much. Now I liken my mind to a sieve. So, for that reason, and the reasons Toni Buzzeo outlines, I am on board.
I perused the sites she recommends, and looked at the templates in the book, and am trying to decide on a final format. But, I really have been thinking about putting this online. Buzzeo, on page 57, discusses the advantages of using an electronic version on either a wiki or googledocs. This would facilitate collaboration. And, as discussed on page 58, "An electronic file of collaborative planning forms is a valuable log of teaching efficacy and student learning in the library and the school." Given our economic times, this would be helpful in justifying our program.
What does everyone else think about the electronic vs print format?
Does anyone already use one of these? I know we created something via the LSTA grant a few years ago...but once again I put off using it. Not anymore.
Perhaps we could all have something pulled together for our next meeting to show Rob?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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I did use the LSTA template a few times but have put it aside and function for the most part with those quick discussions in the hall and Copy Room. I think that it might be just the time to polish off a planning template and begin to use again. Buzzeo shares many reasons with which I agree and I kept thinking about her comment that they serve as a valuable log of student learning in the library - a log we may want to access in the future.
ReplyDeleteWe can as Buzzeo states use the template to record goals and responsibilities and I think use of form and the shared time it takes to complete may remind both in our minds and others the value of what we do in the library. It is a side benefit but one that I think is important.
I haven't looked at websites yet, but will. I would say that a hard copy version would work better in my building and will have to look again at the one we used for the grant but think that might work well for me.
Since we met with the LSTA group several years ago, I've been gathering templates to try and find which one will work for me.
ReplyDeleteI'd always planned to make it hard copy, but Tony's suggestion of a digital document, either online or in a folder on my computer actually makes more sense to me.
In looking at the websites, I really didn't find one that I feel comfortable with. Some actually failed to reflect true collaboration as we've learned to define it... more a gathering of materials rather than working with the teacher to meet lesson goals and strengthen learning for the students.
Tony's list of options makes sense and I just need to create a digital form that contains the areas that I feel are essential when collaborating with teachers.
Jen and I had talked about putting together a form (before reading this chapter). We always end up with post it notes and scraps of paper with teacher and/or kid requests. So far that request type of template is working. Now for the teaching end of things. It would be nice if we could sit down and come up with a template that will work - perhaps K-5 and 6-12? After I post this, I plan to check the websites listed on page 59 for inspiration. I think paper copy works the best. I've been getting a few comments from classroom teachers- too much email overload! My quest for keeping organized continues....
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