The students in CSU’s DE course studying M.Ed TL are required to ‘maintain a learning journal over the period of their enrolment in the subject.’
Very early in the session you should make note in your learning journal of what you already know and think you know about the subject’s content, which is organised broadly into the topics of communication, organisational theory, and strategic planning. You might speculate on how these topics would apply to the teacher librarian as a leader. You can also consider how you have experienced these topics in other contexts.
Communication (what I know or think I know)
- listen, listen, listen – altho’ I’m meant to be an information expert, I really need to be a listening expert. Kids and adults often have a difficult time clarifying their info needs, people have complaints about books, technology, systems etc. Listening helps so much in various ways. Sometimes people can talk themselves to clarity with info problems, people with complaints want to be heard (even more than they want action, I’ve found) and when I listen to general chat in the staff room I can often pick up tips for things the teachers may need in future or hear something that I can help them with that they haven’t asked for yet. Makes me look very efficient. =)
- ask good questions, people know you are listening then. I’m also one of those tricky librarians that never (well rarely) give answers, just good questions and wonderings out loud. I try to role model this as much as possible.
- write everything down! I’m so busy, information and requests get buried very quickly if I don’t record them. igoogle has been my saviour. Lists, calendar, everything in one spot and accessible from anywhere.
- ‘I wonder … ‘ questions are also a good (and sneaky) way of making suggestions. They plant seeds in others’ brains.
- be very clear when you want something. Ask directly (in writing is best). Clarify when others ask of you too. Polite indirectness can lead to a lot of misunderstandings and delays.
Photo courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhilkhitho/2662182601/
