This e-Portfolio is here to define my educational experience at San Jose State University. In order to gain my Master of Library and Information Science degree I am to analyze what is defined into 14 Competencies that range from A-H and J-O. These Competencies each have their own definitions and describe what I have mastered over these two years. Each competency is further proven by past assignments, notes, interviews and other types of academic examples.
First, I start out with stating the Competency A-H and J-O and writing an introduction defining what those competencies mean to me. I will then give academic examples of those competencies and where I have used these materials throughout my academic career. I must then compare those examples to what was first stated – the definition of the competency. I must give three references or examples to prove what was written in the Introduction.
Then, I must write three Areas of Competency and with three References for every one Competency. Next, I must write a section for Evidence. That means, one paragraph per section of Evidence, totalling three sections of Evidence. After that, I will write one Conclusion paragraph explaining and tying all the Competency paragraphs together.
During my time in the Master in Library and Information Science program I worked as an Instructional Assistant for Torrance Unified School District. At the beginning, I did not know it at the time, but I would use some of what I learned in the program to help teach from a different perspective. I would be using the “Teaching Tripod Method”.
This method is described here: ‘a conceptual framework in education that emphasizes the three key components needed for effective teaching: identifying learner needs (needs/info gathering), designing appropriate learning outcomes (activities that will lead to outcomes), and developing relevant assessment methods to measure those outcomes” (Kaplowitz, 2014). Or, in a more simplified version: “outcomes, activities, and assessment” (Kaplowitz, 2014).
This is much like how the Competencies are described. There’s the Competency, or subject, then the References or the analysis of it, then the Evidence or proof of concepts. In order to get to the last leg of graduate school I needed to pass thirteen courses. This was no easy task, it was challenging work. At some points, it was like having another job at the same time.
I hope what I learned shines through the writing and analysis I will be putting onto the page here. Making my way through each of the 14 Competencies, Introductions, Evidence, and Conclusions is a difficult task to do, but will hopefully clearly show that I have learned a lot and can explain what I have learned and will use as a librarian.
I’m not a stranger to a lack of confidence. In the future, as a librarian, I know I will use what I’ve learned in these courses. Condensing what I’ve learned through note taking, interviews, quotes, assignments and more gives me the confidence to carry on.
References
Kaplowitz, J. R. Designing information literacy instruction: The teaching tripod approach. Rowman & Littlefield, 2014.
Juanita Leatham e-portfolio 