I am having a great time setting this up. It's nice to have an excuse to play around with this blog thing. I'm still trying to change my template but I'll figure it out sooner or later.
The 7 1/2 habits of life long learners was interesting to evaluate. It kind of reminds me of Stephen Covey and his 7 habits. I liked the 7 1/2 steps.
Begin with the end in mind. When I began this library endorsement class I knew I wanted to learn more about libraries but I never realized how much there really was to learn. When I receive this endorsement I will feel much more prepared to do my job well as a librarian.
Accept responsibility for your own learning. You can get as little or as much as you want from these endorsement courses. It's one thing for them to mention a great idea in class its another thing to actually search it out after the class is over. Implementation is also the key.
View problems as challenges In my library right now I view my lack of budget as a challenge. I have a library of donated books right now. Do you know anyone who donates their favorite book? The challenge that has been put before me is to work with what I have. Search for ways to find funds. Create the library as a great place to be.
Have confidence in yourself as a competent effective learner. I remember when I was in high school and I was taking my last math class. Math was never my thing and frankly I hated it. My dad finally sat down one day and said, "Em who says your bad at math?" I never get good grades and I can't figure it out. He finally said to me, "Em start telling yourself that you can do it and see what happens." So, did I magically start getting straight A's in math absolutely not, math makes no sense to me. But I went from getting C- to B's and that was huge for me. It was all about gaining confidence in me learning math. HMMM...
Create your own learning tool box. Some of us learn better by seeing, others are tactile, some learn better by hearing. I know for me I am a hands on girl, that is something that is in my toolbox. I am also very visual. If I can draw a picture to help me remember I learn it better. It's also important for me to take notes. I can't be listening and doing something else. I know that about myself for example I can't do homework with the TV on.
Use technology to my advantage. I can't believe how much I have learned about technology in my job the last 2 years as a librarian. I can't believe how much more I have to go. I've noticed it more being in a high school library they are so much more technologically savvy.
Teach and mentor others. You always learn something better if you teach it. At my school we call the teachers mentors instead of teachers. I like it because it puts the teacher in a learning position as well as the student.
Play. We live in a world where we have a hard time relaxing. I love this because it reminds us to lighten up and enjoy.
Areas as a librarian where I am strong:
Children's literature-especially picture books
Teaching a love of reading
cataloging
organizing a library
circulation
purchasing for an elementary library and its needs
Microsoft Word
Areas where I am not strong yet:
higher level chapter books and novels
Classic book reading
teaching information literacy
Microsoft Excel
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/passwords/create.aspx how to create a strong password
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