CEDU 571 - Jan 19th, 2011

What is your understanding of reference materials in the library media center?

My understanding of reference materials in the LMC is limited to prior knowledge of what existed in my libraries at the colleges I attended as well as the local public library I used when in high school (talk about a long stretch.)  Speaking specifically regarding my local public library, I realize that there have been many updates to the reference section which I haven't really used due the lack of need.  I look forward to visiting my local public library to see what updates have been made. 


(Question) How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life? Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.

One point that was addressed in class was making sure there a resources for students with special needs as well as English Language Learners.  Recently I was part of a special education evaluation involving a student at the high school level who was delineated as a ELL based upon the student's ACCESS level.  Part of the student's learning difficulties involved the area of reading.  The student's auditory processing skills were within the high average range.  I suggested to the team that books on tape should strongly be encouraged for this student.  Yes, our goal for educator is for all students to read at a proficient level; however, we also need to accommodate a student's strengths and provide them ways to increase his/her understanding within his/her areas of study in the mean time.
 
When thinking about the Internet log assignment, I thought of an observation I completed in a fifth grade classroom.  The students were presenting information in small groups on different Native American tribes.  I followed up with the teacher and asked her how the students gathered information for the presentations.  She noted they used books in the school's library.  I told her my assignment and asked her if she thought it would be useful for her student's to obtain the information on computer via designated websites within a specific folder.  She thought the idea was great.  She suggested that I approach another grade level about their class assignment so that my Internet log list could be used this school year.  Reference materials in a LMC provide students the ability to further research a specific area of interest.  Reference materials would be available in a variety of sources including books, magazines as well as online resources. 

Any questions or other comments you have?