Reflections of a learning journey

At the beginning of the Autumn term I had already completed 2 subjects for my MedTl degree. I thought maybe I had learnt all there was to learn about the role of the Teacher Librarian. I was wrong! In my first post (8/3 Cyclones at home and at sea) I mention the challenges faced by Teacher Librarians concerning day to day management of the resource centre.As I have digested the reading material I have become more aware of the challenges that exist beyond the library walls.Challenges such as initiating dialogue with staff to encourage collaboration, developing resource based units to assist with motivating students and advocating for a greater profile for the resource centre and the staff who operate within.Helen Rowling's post to the topic 2 forum (6th March) encouraged me to reply with my own thoughts regarding the role of the teacher librarian. I believed that all Tls must be teaching Resource Based Learing(RBL) and that information literacy is the norm in most libraries. You can imagine my surprise then when I read the article posted on the OZ_TL Net listserv which stated that only 13% of school libraries are staffed by qualified Tls!
Why is this occuring? Is it because Teacher Librarians are no longer necessary within the education industry? I certainly do not agree. Research shows that the presence of a qualified Tl can increase student achievement in standardised tests by 10-20% (Spence,2006). I am now beginning to see why investing in the school library should be a priority within education. This investment could include professional development to alert teaching staff to the benefits of collaborating with their Tl. As a member of teaching staff in a primary school I was unaware of the benefits of RBL. A recent blog post (15/4)demonstrates how RBL and guided inquiry are necessary as we attempt to educate students how to navigate their way through the enormous amount of information available. A unit that has been developed collaboratively by the teacher and Tl can provide an array of resources to choose from that will suit the variety of learning styles students display. The Tl and teacher can ensure that curriculum outcomes are being met while providing motivating and interesting learning experiences for students.
Information literacy is another concept that I had limited knowledge of before starting this course. I"m sure that I will continue develop my understandings in this area as there is an immense amount of literature on the subject.As noted in blog entry (15/4) There is a distinct lack of interest shown in this area. I think that educators are producing programs that encourage the development of information literacy skills but it has not been explicity taught within the curriculum. I struggled with this concept last year when I attempted to integrate Essential Learnings (QSA 2007)into the library program. I viewed information literacy skills as a separate entity to be taught in isolation. I now understand why that approach is unsuitable. Kuhlthau (2007)explains the process as Inquiry Learning. She suggests that students learn as they are guided through the inquiry process. When they are inquiring about subjects that interest them ( such as a student directed research task) they will be motivated to learn. I agree as that is how I learn and that has been the basis for my interest in this course.
As I am developing my understandings of the role of the Teacher Librarian I am beginning to understand that many of the initiatives necessary to provide a standard of excellence require time. Time to build relationships, to develop partnerships, create a learning community and engender respect for the Teacher Librarian. It also takes time to aquire skills and establish opportunities for professional development. I have also learnt that Tls are constantly advocating for their position.
Throughout this course I have developed skills that enable me to search for online material that assists me to learn. I am learning to do this with the assistance of qualified teacher librarians who have a wealth of experience. We cannot expect primary school students to research without the guidance and experience that a Tl can offer.
Teacher Librarians possess a unique set of skills that allows them to be educators as well as librarians. I am slowly beginning to understand the depth of knowledge required to achieve excellence in this profession. There is still much to learn.