ETL 401 TOPIC 3: THE TL AND THE CURRICULUM

After completing the readings for this topic, I have become even more aware of the benefits to the school community of recognizing and implementing the expertise of the TL.

The TL brings not only knowledge of available resources, but understanding of new educational developments in IT that can enhance learning experiences for students. The depth of student experience can be consolidated with cooperative planning by class teachers and the TL implementing RBL and RBT. Teachers benefit by sharing the responsibility for planning and implementation with the TL, leading to increased levels of student learning as different styles of learning can be matched with a variety of resources. Increasing levels of ability by students contributes to development of positive self esteem and confidence in incoporating information skills into other subject areas.

As part of the teaching team, principals should expect TLs to be involved in planning and implementing units of work with class teachers. Apart from the educational benefits for students, the TL's involvement ensures that the resources that have been purchased by the school are being utilized and an important part of the school budget is being used appropriately. The involvement of the TL in the curriculum with class teachers and students also contributes to the development of building school community.

The standout points and readings for me in this topic were:

• Information literate students are proficient locators, capable evaluators and responsible, creative users of information. (AASL & AECT, 1998) in (Campbell 2002).

• Implications for educators are clear, students can no longer be expected to learn a finite body of language.

• http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/inform/yr2002/mar/pedagogy.htm - Productive Pedagogy - this reading appealed to me because I identified with the philosophy behind it. I liked the way that it incorporates existing classroom practice and focuses on the vital aspects necessary for student learning: intellectual quality, relevance (connectedness), socially supportive classroom environment and recognition of difference. It was also stated that students need to be involved in learning work, not busy work. I really dislike seeing students time being taken up with "busy work". I liked that recognised philosophies , Bloom's Taxonomy, de Bono's Six Thinking Hats and Gardner's Multiple Intelligence are incorporated into classroom use and not simply put aside for another new theory. I believe in taking the best from the old and the new to enhance what is offered to students.

• The Curriculum Corporation website - fantastic range of support materials and services.

• School Library Association of Queensland (SLAQ) (2008). Resource based learning guidelines. Well set out points to integrate for RBL and RBT.
  

Finally, and just for a laugh... I came across this quote from Michael Moore on OZ Tl Net -

I really didn't realize that librarians were, you know, such a dangerous group...They are subversive. You think they're just sitting at the desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them. LOL