Roberta Harris Teacher Librarian

  My interests lie in the areas of 21st-century learning, learning how to teach "STEAM" (Science, Technology,  Engineering, Art, Math) and critical thinking.   I believe these three areas overlap and are areas I know little about.  Although I have had some training on teaching critical thinking, I by no means feel confident because I don't fully understand "how to teach critical thinking."   As soon as some of us teachers hear the term "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) we freeze!  What?  I have no clue what you are talking about?  What happened to STEM?  How did STEM now become STEAM?  All the questions that came up when the concept of STEM, now STEAM surfaced.  Being in a small isolated community the idea of STEM/STEAM came to us much later than others.  Professional development opportunities are limited as is our access to technology, teaching supplies and resources.   My personal reaction to teaching STEAM was instant FEAR! 

 Coming out of my comfort zone:  There is fear associated with learning something new and feeling out of touch or like I don't have a clue what is going on.  I have been working on having a "Growth Mindset" with my class so know that I need to have a growth mindset and get past my nervousness, feeling of being unsure and not "educated" enough to collaborate in this course.   I need to learn how to ask for help, and as I say to my students "ask for help."  I will persevere and do what I have to do to complete this course and the Teacher Librarian program.  I need to change my thinking, stop procrastinating and embrace my fear of the unknown.   I need to learn how to ask for help and admit that I don't know what's going on.  I have to change my mindset when it comes to reading using technology.  I want to learn more about 21st Century Learning, Critical Thinking and teaching about STEM.   I need to be more social and less of a hermit, or a "

 Hello Everyone!  My name is Roberta I am a grade 5/6/7 teacher.  I also teach English Language Learning, and am a part time teacher librarian (in training) Photo taken at one of my favourite places at UBC.  The library at The First Nation's House of Learning.   https://xwi7xwa.library.ubc.ca/ I live in a small community called Alert Bay BC, it is also known as Cormorant Island and is well known for the "tallest totem pole in the world" and as the "home of the killer whale."  I love my community and am so fortunate to live and teach in the community that I grew up in.   I recently landed a position as a teacher librarian so am taking LIBE 477B this term.  This is my second course.  I am proud and honoured to be a librarian!  After learning a bit about the role of a teacher librarian I am convinced that all librarians are SUPERHEROES. That being said, I feel that I have to apologize to my peers and colleagues for getting such a late start on this course.  I know