Alabama Virtual Library
The AVL provides resources that are available for people to use on an internet library. The AVL is a valuable source for people that are interested in education. We never stop learning and having access to an on-line library is information that is literally on the edge of our fingertips. The print on line is a database that offers research opportunities for information that is a valuable resource for people ; not to mention, students, teachers and administrators.
I think it is a good thing to require people to obtain an AVL card from their local library. It will keep internet surfers off the website. The service provided is for the educated public that have a desire to learn and provide information and research tools for the sake of education.
www.avl.lib.al.us
Thursday, October 23, 2008
How to Study
1. Introduction
Everyone has a different "learning style". (A good introduction to the topic of learning styles is Claxton & Murrell 1987. For more on different learning styles, see Keirsey Temperament and Character Web Site, William Perry's Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development, Holland 1966, Kolb 1984, Sternberg 1999.)
Consequently, everyone has a different "studying style". But the way that you are studying right now might not be the best for you. How would you know? Easy: If your grades aren't what you'd like them to be, then you probably need to change how you study!
I am going to give you some suggestions on how to study efficiently. They worked for me when I was in high school, college, and graduate school. Not only that, but they worked equally well for me in humanities courses (like philosophy and literature) and in science courses (like math and computer science). But, given that everyone's learning style is different, some of my suggestions may not work for you, at least not without some individual modifications. Nevertheless, I urge you to try them. Most successful students use them (or some slight variation of them).
Please feel free to send me suggestions for studying that worked for you. I will try to include them in further versions of this guide.
2. Manage Your Time
School is a full-time job. And managing your time is important.
* If you have a "real" job after school that you do just for fun (or for some extra spending money), or if you participate in extra-curricular activities (whether school-related or not), keep your priorities in mind:
Your education should come first!
* If you must work (in order to make ends meet), you should realize the limitations that this imposes on your study time.
How much time should you devote to studying? A recent survey in the Chronicle of Higher Education suggested that students are not studying enough. So, how much is enough? If you assume that your education is a full-time job, then you should spend about 40 hours/week on it. Figure that 1 academic credit equals about 1 hour. So, if you're taking 15 credits, then you're spending about 15 hours in class. Subtracting that from 40 gives you 25 hours that you should be spending studying at home (or in the library).
You should spread that out over the week. Suppose you decide to study Sunday through Thursday evenings, taking Fridays and Saturdays off (from studying, that is). Dividing that 25 hours by those 5 days gives you 5 hours of studying per night. If you think that's too much, then plan on studying in the afternoons, too, or some of Saturday.
The above are just rules of thumb. If you're taking a 3-credit independent-study course, but you meet with your instructor only 1 hour/week, then you should add the extra 2 hours to your at-home study time. If you're working to earn some money, you should subtract your work hours from your free time, not from your study time! (If you don't want to do that, then you should consider quitting your job or reducing your course load.)
If that still seems like a lot, consider the difference between high-school courses and college courses. The typical high-school course meets every day, for about 5 hours/week. But the typical college course meets only about 3 hours/week, yet is supposed to be more intensive than its high-school counterpart. That's because in college you're expected to put more of your own time into studying.
Set yourself a grade goal. If you don't meet it, cut down on non-school activities. (If you can't, because you're working for a living, then consider dropping down to part-time schooling.)
For some websites on time management, take a look at:
* UB Student Affairs webpage on "Time Management"
* "Time Management Skills"
* "Time Management"
* "Time Management for University Students"
* "How to Be Punctual"
* ... or do a Google search on "time management" for more ideas.
* A nice set of printable online calendars, schedules, etc., can be found at ePrintableCalendars.com
3. Take Notes in Class & Rewrite Them at Home
Outline and Index:
1. Take Notes
2. Take Complete Notes
3. Use Abbreviations
4. Neatness Doesn't Count
5. Ask Questions & Make Comments
6. Copy Your Notes at Home
7. Don't Take Notes on a Computer
8. Don't Rely on the Instructor's Lecture Notes
9. Further Reading
Everyone has a different "learning style". (A good introduction to the topic of learning styles is Claxton & Murrell 1987. For more on different learning styles, see Keirsey Temperament and Character Web Site, William Perry's Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development, Holland 1966, Kolb 1984, Sternberg 1999.)
Consequently, everyone has a different "studying style". But the way that you are studying right now might not be the best for you. How would you know? Easy: If your grades aren't what you'd like them to be, then you probably need to change how you study!
I am going to give you some suggestions on how to study efficiently. They worked for me when I was in high school, college, and graduate school. Not only that, but they worked equally well for me in humanities courses (like philosophy and literature) and in science courses (like math and computer science). But, given that everyone's learning style is different, some of my suggestions may not work for you, at least not without some individual modifications. Nevertheless, I urge you to try them. Most successful students use them (or some slight variation of them).
Please feel free to send me suggestions for studying that worked for you. I will try to include them in further versions of this guide.
2. Manage Your Time
School is a full-time job. And managing your time is important.
* If you have a "real" job after school that you do just for fun (or for some extra spending money), or if you participate in extra-curricular activities (whether school-related or not), keep your priorities in mind:
Your education should come first!
* If you must work (in order to make ends meet), you should realize the limitations that this imposes on your study time.
How much time should you devote to studying? A recent survey in the Chronicle of Higher Education suggested that students are not studying enough. So, how much is enough? If you assume that your education is a full-time job, then you should spend about 40 hours/week on it. Figure that 1 academic credit equals about 1 hour. So, if you're taking 15 credits, then you're spending about 15 hours in class. Subtracting that from 40 gives you 25 hours that you should be spending studying at home (or in the library).
You should spread that out over the week. Suppose you decide to study Sunday through Thursday evenings, taking Fridays and Saturdays off (from studying, that is). Dividing that 25 hours by those 5 days gives you 5 hours of studying per night. If you think that's too much, then plan on studying in the afternoons, too, or some of Saturday.
The above are just rules of thumb. If you're taking a 3-credit independent-study course, but you meet with your instructor only 1 hour/week, then you should add the extra 2 hours to your at-home study time. If you're working to earn some money, you should subtract your work hours from your free time, not from your study time! (If you don't want to do that, then you should consider quitting your job or reducing your course load.)
If that still seems like a lot, consider the difference between high-school courses and college courses. The typical high-school course meets every day, for about 5 hours/week. But the typical college course meets only about 3 hours/week, yet is supposed to be more intensive than its high-school counterpart. That's because in college you're expected to put more of your own time into studying.
Set yourself a grade goal. If you don't meet it, cut down on non-school activities. (If you can't, because you're working for a living, then consider dropping down to part-time schooling.)
For some websites on time management, take a look at:
* UB Student Affairs webpage on "Time Management"
* "Time Management Skills"
* "Time Management"
* "Time Management for University Students"
* "How to Be Punctual"
* ... or do a Google search on "time management" for more ideas.
* A nice set of printable online calendars, schedules, etc., can be found at ePrintableCalendars.com
3. Take Notes in Class & Rewrite Them at Home
Outline and Index:
1. Take Notes
2. Take Complete Notes
3. Use Abbreviations
4. Neatness Doesn't Count
5. Ask Questions & Make Comments
6. Copy Your Notes at Home
7. Don't Take Notes on a Computer
8. Don't Rely on the Instructor's Lecture Notes
9. Further Reading
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Summary of Code of Ethics
The goal of every teacher in Alabama is to be devoted to each student. The teacher must provide an atmosphere that promotes the highest standards. This includes respecting all individuals with the ambition of pursuing and promoting knowledge. The teacher’s example sets the ethical standards for the students.
The state of Alabama has a set code of Ethics for the educator to follow. The ethics serve to demonstrate the rules of Professionalism. There are approximately nine standards of conduct that are recognized as professional behavior for educators:
1. This standard concerns the educators conduct. The educator must support fellow educators in supporting them in maintaining the standards set forth in this code of ethics. Working together to create an atmosphere that is essential in the growth of student learning. It is necessary for the educator to demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate language, never become physical in any altercation with a colleague and always maintain the supervision of all students.
2. The ability of educator to be trusted. This includes all matters including children. It also includes all information relating to the educators qualifications and background
3. There is a standard of ethical conduct that all educators must follow it pertains to complying with the laws of the state and country.
4. The code of conduct that is expected and required between the relationships of students and educators.
5. Professional conduct of the educator concerning drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
6. The use of school funds and school property in an authorized manner.
7. Professional conduct concerning all gifts and gratuities.
8. The utmost confidentiality of all student affairs.
9. The educator’s ability to fulfill and comply with all legal contracts signed by the employee.
The State Superintendent of Education has the authority to revoke, suspend or refuse to issue an educators certificate if the above Code of Ethics has been broken or if there is “good and sufficient cause”. This can first come as a disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand or warning. The educator cannot teach if their certificate has been suspended or revoked. This also includes paraprofessionals, aids and substitutes.
The goal of every teacher in Alabama is to be devoted to each student. The teacher must provide an atmosphere that promotes the highest standards. This includes respecting all individuals with the ambition of pursuing and promoting knowledge. The teacher’s example sets the ethical standards for the students.
The state of Alabama has a set code of Ethics for the educator to follow. The ethics serve to demonstrate the rules of Professionalism. There are approximately nine standards of conduct that are recognized as professional behavior for educators:
1. This standard concerns the educators conduct. The educator must support fellow educators in supporting them in maintaining the standards set forth in this code of ethics. Working together to create an atmosphere that is essential in the growth of student learning. It is necessary for the educator to demonstrate the ability to maintain appropriate language, never become physical in any altercation with a colleague and always maintain the supervision of all students.
2. The ability of educator to be trusted. This includes all matters including children. It also includes all information relating to the educators qualifications and background
3. There is a standard of ethical conduct that all educators must follow it pertains to complying with the laws of the state and country.
4. The code of conduct that is expected and required between the relationships of students and educators.
5. Professional conduct of the educator concerning drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
6. The use of school funds and school property in an authorized manner.
7. Professional conduct concerning all gifts and gratuities.
8. The utmost confidentiality of all student affairs.
9. The educator’s ability to fulfill and comply with all legal contracts signed by the employee.
The State Superintendent of Education has the authority to revoke, suspend or refuse to issue an educators certificate if the above Code of Ethics has been broken or if there is “good and sufficient cause”. This can first come as a disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand or warning. The educator cannot teach if their certificate has been suspended or revoked. This also includes paraprofessionals, aids and substitutes.
What is ANSWER?
The Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER) is a coalition of the following organizations: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR), National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work (NADD), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).
Mission
The ANSWER coalition's mission is to increase legislative and executive branch advocacy on behalf of social work education, training, and research. This goal is accomplished through collaboration among social work education, research, and practice organizations, social work education programs, and other interested groups.
What is the purpose of social work research?
Social work research benefits consumers, practitioners, policy-makers, educators, and the general public through the examination of societal issues such as: health care, substance abuse, and community violence; family issues, including child welfare and aging; well-being and resiliency; and the strengths and needs of undeserved populations. By exploring the social, behavioral, and environmental connections to health and mental health issues, social work research identifies strategies and solutions that enhance individual, family and community well being. By conducting research in schools, communities, health care facilities, and human service agencies, social work researchers are able to examine the inter-relationships among individuals, families, neighborhoods, and social institutions. Social work research provides empirical support for best practice approaches to improve service delivery and public policies.
What is the purpose of social work training?
Social workers receive training through undergraduate and graduate education at programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) along with class work, social work students complete intensive internships in organizations where they apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world work. Additionally, social workers are regulated in all states. Licensed social workers are required to update their skills and knowledge through continuing education requirements.
The Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER) is a coalition of the following organizations: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR), National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work (NADD), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR).
Mission
The ANSWER coalition's mission is to increase legislative and executive branch advocacy on behalf of social work education, training, and research. This goal is accomplished through collaboration among social work education, research, and practice organizations, social work education programs, and other interested groups.
What is the purpose of social work research?
Social work research benefits consumers, practitioners, policy-makers, educators, and the general public through the examination of societal issues such as: health care, substance abuse, and community violence; family issues, including child welfare and aging; well-being and resiliency; and the strengths and needs of undeserved populations. By exploring the social, behavioral, and environmental connections to health and mental health issues, social work research identifies strategies and solutions that enhance individual, family and community well being. By conducting research in schools, communities, health care facilities, and human service agencies, social work researchers are able to examine the inter-relationships among individuals, families, neighborhoods, and social institutions. Social work research provides empirical support for best practice approaches to improve service delivery and public policies.
What is the purpose of social work training?
Social workers receive training through undergraduate and graduate education at programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) along with class work, social work students complete intensive internships in organizations where they apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world work. Additionally, social workers are regulated in all states. Licensed social workers are required to update their skills and knowledge through continuing education requirements.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
I found this lecture to be both inspiring and educational. His quote, "wait long enough for people to impress you" is a life lesson. We all have a tendency to judge others too quickly. Also, the example he gave of how to say the same thing in a good way or a bad way demonstrated how different the results can be by our tone of voice and body language.
Interaction is a great teaching tool. Promoting class projects and having students work together in groups achieves great results. I especially agreed with letting students have control over the contents of their assignments. It allows them to use their imaginations and be creative without following a forced set of rules. His strategy of having a mentor is a great idea. Having both positive and negative feedback is a good teaching technique.
The Hello World Video was fantastic and created brilliantly by his students. The word Edutainment was another good teaching tool. The use of technology such as video games to inspire students to learn while having fun can definitely be incorporated into the classroom. This can aid student's to learn while working in groups and focusing on others.
To me, the most valuable lesson was, "to teach someone something is to make them think they are learning something else." So, while I was having fun, I learned something. Other lessons include, Loyalty is a two-way street and Never Give Up! Also, listen to feedback from others and always remember to show gratitude.
Interaction is a great teaching tool. Promoting class projects and having students work together in groups achieves great results. I especially agreed with letting students have control over the contents of their assignments. It allows them to use their imaginations and be creative without following a forced set of rules. His strategy of having a mentor is a great idea. Having both positive and negative feedback is a good teaching technique.
The Hello World Video was fantastic and created brilliantly by his students. The word Edutainment was another good teaching tool. The use of technology such as video games to inspire students to learn while having fun can definitely be incorporated into the classroom. This can aid student's to learn while working in groups and focusing on others.
To me, the most valuable lesson was, "to teach someone something is to make them think they are learning something else." So, while I was having fun, I learned something. Other lessons include, Loyalty is a two-way street and Never Give Up! Also, listen to feedback from others and always remember to show gratitude.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
ACCESS and ALEX in Alabama
Access Distance Learning courses are provided free to public high school students in Alabama.
Supporting materials are available for school counselors, teachers and for displays at meetings.
It gives students the opportunity to get the courses, teachers and technology that will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to graduate from high school and prepare for college and/or the workplace.
ACCESS is Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide. For more information, visit http://www.accessdl.state.al.us
ALEX is the Alabama Learning Exchange. For information about ALEX and the Alabama Department of Education Technology Initiatives,
visit http://www.alsde.edu
Supporting materials are available for school counselors, teachers and for displays at meetings.
It gives students the opportunity to get the courses, teachers and technology that will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to graduate from high school and prepare for college and/or the workplace.
ACCESS is Alabama Connecting Classroom, Educators and Students Statewide. For more information, visit http://www.accessdl.state.al.us
ALEX is the Alabama Learning Exchange. For information about ALEX and the Alabama Department of Education Technology Initiatives,
visit http://www.alsde.edu
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