EDCI396Mentor

    I had the privilege of being paired with Kelly Ahlfeld for our learning-focused conversation. It was a very encouraging experience.     We decided to use the problem-solving conversation template from Lipton (p.32), which turned out to be an effective way to get things started. All Kelly had to say was, "What are some concerns you would like to discuss?" and we were off and running.     I outlined my concerns about being able to get books in students' hand this fall and how to make sure that all students have equal access to materials. After paraphrasing my issues and confirming that she had some of the same worries, Kelly suggested using a recent VSLA document as a third point to guide our discussion. The document outlines some recommendations for library practices during the pandemic. We also thought the Include section from the AASL standards might be useful in this regard      It was empowering to talk to someone whose experience so p...

  My school requires every staff member to come up with three professional goals at the beginning of the year. The goals can be almost anything, with the one stipulation being that one of the goals must relate to the school's Continuous Improvement plan.  Looking back, I think that my goal-setting was more perfunctory and less useful than it could have been.     Typically I would base one of my goals on an easily measured library outcome -- say increasing book circulation by 10 percent -- and then I would outline three ways to get there. For example, increase promotion through the school TV broadcast, do more class book talks, or improve how materials are displayed.   For the past two years I've been involved in an effort to make our school more trauma-informed, so that was also an area for one of my goals. The third goal was usually something more general, such as increasing collaboration with staff.     My immediate supervisor and I would typica...

    For my Observation Performance Task I chose to watch a session called "Analyzing American Literature Through Fishbowl Discussion."  I was especially interested to view it through the lens of Danielson Domain 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques.     It was  fascinating.      The book was "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The format was a Socratic seminar using a technique the teacher called "Fishbowl Discussion," which entailed both a careful arrangement of classroom chairs and a structured points system for participation.       Chairs were arranged in two concentric circles with the interior circle for discussion participants and the outer ring for the audience. Student from the outer ring could tap in at any time to switch places with a discussion student.     Students were to come prepared with at least eight discussion questions. Once in the inner circle, they received 1 point for each...

    This was my first experience with the Danielson Framework. The concept of domains seems like a useful way to think about my job and responsibilities.  I am especially interested in Domain 2, specifically how the library can create that all-important environment of respect and rapport.       I like to think that our library is a welcoming place and in general -- but not always -- our staff is respectful and polite in their interactions with students. We do try to greet every student that comes in and take a moment to check in with them.      We let students know that we acknowledge and value their backgrounds by making sure their stories are reflected in our collection. I think I do need to do a better job of displaying and publicizing those stories.     The one area that remains a constant struggle for me is how to convey to students  that books and reading are important. As passionate as I am about this, I have not be...

July 3:Listening Reading the Effective Listening Survey was kind of like getting punched in the stomach.  I saw myself in almost every category, and not just with my interactions with colleagues, but with my friends and family as well.  It was a humbling experience, especially because I always thought I was pretty good at listening. I have a colleague who is always anticipating what your question is going to be or where you're going with a sentence. She always says that she knew that already or she'd heard of it before. it's exhausting and it makes communication difficult. I always thought I was better than that. But if I'm honest,  I have to acknowledge that I too often do the same. How many times have I been only half-listening to my co-workers? Looking back, it seems I was always covering books or filing cards or organizing papers while only listening with half an ear. How many times was I planning what I was going to say without really taking the time to hear ...