BECOMING HUMAN: TEACHING AND ITS SOCIAL IMPORTANCE

This essay won 2nd place in the SHS Essay Writing Contest of the Main Library. Congratulations to Mr. Herman!

Becoming Human: Teaching and its Social Importance

Radjah P. Herman

            What has let the human race survive throughout the few centuries it has existed in a short amount of time in comparison to the age of the Earth? Species big and small, fur and scale, that have dominated much longer in the world, were not able to evolve into a being with much high intellect and understanding. Yet we, the human race that is descended from mammary apes, have gone far enough that we cannot only adapt to the environment but wield it to match our preferable living conditions. Though one may argue that these follow with scientific evolution, such is the transfer of knowledge is it not? From savagery, teaching caused man into consciousness and rationality that led man to become human- the very evolutionary trait that sets us apart from other species.

Through the epochs of time that went by, gaining knowledge is always in a period of transformation. By continuous passing of learning from one mind to another, we can develop each idea and think into something more significant; philosophies, sciences, arts, and most importantly, methods of education. It is true that human life experiences a subsequent change each time passes and will continue to be such. However, these so-called changes may or may not be for the betterment of humanity. This is why education has a vital role to play and that is to find solutions to the predicament caused by these series of changes. Even so, this proves as a mighty challenge for education as these solutions require the production of bright, innovative minds of individuals and this cannot be achieved without a suitable teacher.

Teachers are the backbone of human society. Fulfilling their roles passionately under the vision of education is the noblest task to establish a functioning society. Assigned to this role carries an unprecedented weight and challenge to deliver and flourish young minds as modern education standards continue to match the needs and demands of the population. Moreover, the social importance of teachers continues to be relevant now more than ever as information continues to be misrepresented in the digital era.

Education has come a long way since the dawn of human civilization and it is undeniable that as long as the human race exists, the process of learning about the nature of man and the world continues to prosper. Yet, the challenges will never be over as we continue to discover more problems than solutions, such as disinformation in this contemporary world. Given the social role of education, it will never topple, perhaps temporarily delayed, but will never end as long as the human race possesses a mind and spirit.

SUCCESS SAYS THANKS

This essay won 3rd place in the SHS Essay Writing Contest of the Main Library. Congratulations to Mr. Givanim!

Success Says Thanks

Lance Lester J. Givanim 

Teaching is an exhausting job filled with challenges. It requires not only the ability to teach but also other skills and characteristics to help instill knowledge in the minds of their students. Annually, their hard work and efforts are celebrated internationally on the 5th of October. Students would usually dedicate songs, letters, or performances to give thanks to their teachers. These acts of appreciation can make a teacher's day, but it would be much more valuable to express it in more meaningful ways. Our success is the best form of gratitude we can offer to our teachers.

As the product of our teacher's dedication, it is best to show how much their efforts have helped us thrive. We, students, are the seeds that teachers nourish in shaping the professionals that will develop in the future. It can determine how effective and efficient a teacher is, but it also depends on us students on how we utilize the knowledge given to us. Exhibiting growth from the guidance and nurturing of our teachers is fulfillment in their careers.  

Showing value to what our teachers do can also signify respect for their commitment to their passion. It does not need to be a grand gesture or something extravagant. Sometimes, small, sincere actions contribute to more positive effects. It can be as simple as being insightful in discussions, prepared for class activities, reliable in given situations, or exhibiting excellent academic performance. Simply doing our best in everything can motivate or inspire them to do their job.

Applying the knowledge our teacher has taught us justifies the need and importance of their job. It serves as a receipt of their work and proof that it did not go to waste. Utilizing what they have given to us and turning it into something beneficial to our own is an accomplishment for our educators. After all, application is the main essence of learning.

Saying thank you to our teachers, professor, coaches, and other educators is not the only way we can express our gratitude toward them. Improving ourselves with the lessons we learn from them is already a form of appreciation for their devotion to developing lifelong learning professionals that would lead the country in the future. It is great to celebrate their benevolence once in a while, but it is much more meaningful to help them accomplish their purpose and aspirations in life by opening our minds and keeping our willingness to learn. We must always strive toward our goals because our success is proof of our teachers’ passion.

 

#ADDINGFUELTOTHEFIRE

This essay won 4th place in the SHS Essay Writing Contest of the Main Library. Congratulations to Mr. Cruz!

#AddingFuelToTheFire
Paolo Andrei S. Cruz

            "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats.

 The key to a prosperous hereafter is education; everyone has the right to have stable access and can use organic fuel to energize intellect in everything one does. Humans swiftly grasped between one another, towards the approaching blazes that caused one of them to receive natural and successful learnings with exquisite guidance. Pouring appropriate academic skills that foster values, inventiveness, and higher-order thinking skills are elements to rise from the ashes with virtue in the 21st century. Education is very beneficial to people because it reveals ideas and thinking. Knowledge in a subject that enables one to consider, perceive, and engage in a manner that thus supports success in endeavors and raises the happiness of one and others. By the token, it shapes human personality, ideas, and interactions with others; it prepares people hereafter. It elevates their stature in their own culture and elsewhere they dwell. In all that, there are the people who are accountable for the welfare of individuals. They influence society to live because they inspire, motivate, and grow a brand-new era of learners. They support students in understanding the value and significance of professional growth. They belonged in a space with people who create intense heat and start a fire, supplying a group of great minds. They are called teachers.

            Some people were doomed to failure when they were young. Maybe they did not do well in school, or it was more personal. But then something happened, and they grew up to be good, healthy individuals who significantly impacted the community. Teachers act as torches. They, as the light at the end of the tunnel. They extend a helping hand to people, especially learners who face personal and academic challenges, by offering temporary fixes. They support students in becoming successful individuals beyond the class to impart knowledge. They assist them in resolving the issues on their own. The learners can focus on addressing their problems ethically and developing answers after an essential component of the crafted classroom environment.

            One of the essential subjective traits in shaping students is the ability to be socially aware and interactively. The skills and characteristics contribute to personality, which helps them stand out in a crowd. Teachers assist children in acquiring social skills, which leads to academic success. Their distinct practices, which serve as the foundation of methods, are intended to foster strong classroom interactions between them. They want to encourage young children to work together and to feel like they are part of a sector that looks out for them. Teachers set behavioral and learning expectations for their students to internalize those objectives and learn how to govern their conduct over time. Teachers can boost the esteem and confidence of their students; provide them with the primary skills they need to thrive socially and intellectually. A good sense of self-confidence is demanded of the learners to enhance their social skills, become more adaptable, and incorporate their whole viewpoint inside and outside the classroom.

            The teacher serves as the backbone of the students. They instruct to go in the proper direction while having the appropriate features; one cannot imagine a bright future without their signs. A good teacher has many positive personality traits. They are composed, energetic, imaginative, challenging, and compassionate. They are adaptable and considerate with their time and are always willing to listen. They put themselves in positions owning a great sacrifice for the sake of the learners. Validating their work will help them feel good; World Teachers' Day is marked yearly to recognize and honor their value and significance. The purpose of the event is to acknowledge the accomplishments of teachers all across the world. Students enjoy planning gratitude and appreciation remarks for their teachers; they are full of surprises. Writing letters, giving flowers and sweets, making a song of dedication, and many other things are sent as gifts to ensure the accommodated emotions of their teachers. It melts the heart every time one notices that the teachers are happy despite the problems, difficulties, and pitfalls they are combating. They are still doing their best for the sake of the future of their students. The dedication to the success of the students sets apart passionate teachers. Teaching success requires commitment, which is a crucial component. Teachers who care deeply about the growth of each student are challenged by how to keep them learning. They foster curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and are enthusiastic about their work, which is a quality that justifies their validation.

            Teaching is a magnificent profession that entails a great deal of duty and obligation to students. Teachers inspire and motivate students to take significant life milestones in addition to imparting information and preparing them for the future. They continue to fortify the assurance of the students and guide them in the proper route. Many teachers dedicated their whole life to empowering their students and assisting them in becoming more valuable, successful individuals. They provide the foundation for outstanding behaviors by offering high-quality teaching. A teacher is someone who spreads information and shapes the way that students live; they are endowed with humility and show students how to achieve. They get the highest levels of esteem in society, thanks to their scholarly achievements, and take on the responsibility of improving the quality of living of the populace. Elements, including teaching abilities, topic expertise, personality traits, and information delivery, influence the students. Teachers push the students to think outside the box to succeed in every aspect. Teachers as fuel to stimulate capacities to fire out knowledge and inadequacies of students; to ignite a massive blaze of fresh and astounding discoveries, learnings, and specifics that will produce dazzling conclusions.

AFTERMATH: A NEW YEAR, A NEW SEMESTER, AND NEW FACES IN THE JRU LIBRARY

At the conclusion of our lone 2020 post, we were united in our hopes of a light at the end of the tunnel.

With the future left in doubt by a crippling pandemic, we turned to loved ones for strength. Our library did the same as a family and put its best foot forward as COVID-19 took its toll. We have weathered the storm, dear Lib Lifers. And through it all, we have seen a world transformed.

Back in action: the JRU libraries reopen its doors.

Chapter One: Librarians

At this point of the journey, the JRU Library finds itself among new kindred. The stage is set for the next act, and it is only fitting to give our most recent cast a proper introduction.

Gianedrelle Maxion or Giane is an introvert who plays the ukulele. A product of Bulacan State University (BSU), this BLIS graduate is our current Acquisitions Librarian. Aware of the misconception that librarians “can dilly-dally and read books all day”, she claims the only time a book passes her hands is when she looks at its copyright page to encode its details. Giane is resourceful and recalls that going off-site to a publishing house to order books had been new knowledge for her as part of JRU. She encourages users to discover the library and to find a book that interests them, as that little spark will make them grow and become a reader.

No dilly-dallying for Giane.

Aida Jabilles admits that Library Science had not been her first choice and only took it up out of curiosity. Be that as it may, she had been a College Librarian for 24 years, a High School Librarian for 3 years, and got involved in the PAASCU accreditation as Chair of the library area before coming to JRU.

Aydz, as some friends call her, is our current Readers Services Librarian. She considers herself a shy and silent type of worker who is presently mastering the use of our Koha library system. She wishes everyone to continue patronizing the library and maximize the use of its resources and services.

The JRU library welcomes Aydz to the fold.

Chapter Two: Library Assistants

Jan Darylle Romero is a Library Assistant at the JHS Library who humorously says her eyebrows make her intimidating to people. Creative by nature, she already has ideas for redesigning the library to make it more modernized. She is drawn to the possibilities of being a librarian and wants to be an archivist someday.

Da has encountered challenges as a new employee but has since coped by being open and understanding. She cites meeting our JRU President Dr. Vicente K. Fabella at a welcoming event as being memorable. Her advice to everyone is “Get yourself lost in a place where you can travel by just reading a book. Grow your mind as you grow your knowledge.”

Da: future archivist.

Erin Joyce Del Rosario is already accustomed to a number of primary tasks as a Library Assistant in the Main Library as well as the Information Commons at the Centennial Building. Being observant and straightforward, she understands that patience is part of the job, though being strict with noisy individuals is sometimes necessary.

Erin or EJ is an extrovert who has come to appreciate Library Science as she was taking it at BSU. She is flexible, loves to explore, and considers everyone welcome at the JRU Library. Erin believes that the library can be a shoulder to lean on, whatever your feelings may be.

Everyone is welcome at the JRU Library, says EJ.

Angelika Jean Sia credits her librarianship to a professor who motivated her to take Library Science. As one of our Library Assistants, her optimism, positivity, and approachability make it easy for her to interact with teachers, students, and her library family. After meeting the JRU President, Angelika describes Dr. Vicente K. Fabella as kind and humble. So far, she says she has not had a bad experience in the library and reminds clients to follow the rules and to feel free to treat the  JRU Library as their home. Angelika encourages everyone to be kind and to have a good time reading.

Louise Mateo is a JRU alumna and a Library Assistant at the Main Library. She has previously worked for Seaoil Philippines, Inc., SPi Global, and Wipro Philippines. Her eventual love for reading played a factor in choosing the library profession. To date, Louise has been involved with several library activities.

At work or at home, she appreciates music playing in the background. Louise describes herself as timid, but cordial when you get to know her. She watches videos on house or restaurant renovations, graphic design, and photo editing. Her simple message to everyone is “See you at the library!”

The alumna returns: Louise is now part of the Library Department.

Chapter Three: Student Assistants

You might have seen BSBA-FIN freshman Nesicay Hyacinth Mendiola keeping the peace during one of your visits to the Main Library. She is one of our Student Assistants: a self-professed ambivert who plays Mobile Legends in her spare time. Nesi had apprehensions when starting out as an SA, but has since learned to trust in the saying "allow yourself to be a beginner, no one starts out excellent."

Silver is another Student Assistant assigned at the Information Commons on the 5th floor of the Centennial Building. Currently taking up BSA, the energetic Sylvester Depidep had previous experience working as a barista, cashier, waiter, and dishwasher. His hobbies include reading books, fitness, and watching the sunset. Silver believes in acting decently as human beings and treating library staff with respect.

Silver may now add "Student Assistant" to his work experience.

A New Season The future is right for a continuation of an earlier history filled with years of meaningful experiences. A story is only good as its characters, and we look forward to our new family making their mark. Change is constant, but the underlying themes for the next library saga shall remain the same: service, togetherness, and perseverance. We thank everyone who made the previous journey as memorable as it had been.

(Pictures are credited to Mr. Ron Ashley Salonga and Mr. Charlie Padernal.)

RECOGNIZING AND EMBRACING THE BEAUTY OF UNCERTAINTY : NEW NORMAL FUN ACTIVITIES @JRU LIBRARY

 

 We’re on liblifers!

How are you today?

Well, all of us are coping and moving on. We really have to!

There’s always a way to make life meaningful regardless how bad the situations may be. We just have to recognize and embrace these sudden changes in our life in order for us to adjust and cope with it. Pandemic has brought many changes and challenges in the way the library do things and Librarians’ dilemma is to come up with innovative ideas specifically on its programs and services in order to address the situation and keep abreast with the times.  

Here is a quick, exciting short list of fun things we do in our library in this time of pandemic other than just checking out books. These ideas would be a great boredom buster for students. Check it out and get inspiration from these activities.

 

1.        Book talk  Showdown Online -

With the emerging technologies, many students have "forgotten about" reading books for pleasure as a creative option. The goal of this activity is to encourage reading among JRU college community by inspiring students about books, showing them the interesting facts about the authors, themes and plot of chosen stories in a video presentation. These videos are uploaded in JRU library FB page to generate reactions.

Book talk showdown is prepared to share and impart valuable insights of good reading habits of our students.

 

 

 2.        Koha Crossword Puzzle-

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is one of the online services being provided by the Library.  OPAC is very useful for researchers (especially in times of Enhanced/General Community Quarantine -ECQ at GCQ) because of its very informative features.  It is also easy to use and available 24/7.

To encourage students to explore our OPAC, the library formulate an interactive activity where they can enjoy the use of our OPAC, the KOHA Crossword puzzle.

 

3.       TIKTOK Book –

Tiktok app is very popular nowadays not only for teens but also to almost all ages because of its creative and fun ways of expressing themselves through singing, dancing and lip-syncing.

For many of these users, gaining likes, followers and getting their videos featured on the app are important priorities.  Creating and sharing their own content is now a big part of how teens spend their time online. Teens are moving away from being spectators online to becoming content creators. This app can be a really creative way, fun way for teens to express themselves and create their own social content.

Thus the library finds it challenging to also engage in such activity by creating their own short video either by promoting reading, or promoting a collection of the library.

 

 

4.       Book Trailer Making Contest-

         This activity aims to promote the books of their choice in a form of a teaser just like in movies. Students are encourage to use their creativity and imagination to produce a catchy video trailer. The teaser or trailer must be played for at least 1 to 2 minutes only.  

 

 

 

5.       E-hula-

The aim of this activity is to promote library e-resources in our library such as Proquest 5000, Gale Virtual reference Library (GVRL) and IG Library. During Hands-on training for electronic resources, Librarians prepare questions wherein students will interactively participate using their JRU e-mail and our different electronic resources.

 

 

 

 These are just some of the many activities done in our library and there’s a lot more! If you are interested to know more just visit our FB Page, Jose Rizal University Library. Have a great time!

 

 

Credits:

Article Contributor: Rechy Llamas

Poster design: Jean Marilette Abelardo, Rechy Llamas

Editor: Romarico Barrientos

EYES FORWARD: THE JRU LIBRARY LENDING POLICY IN THE NEW NORMAL

 
'20/20' is meant to indicate "normal" vision, but this is a '2020' that we never saw coming.


Be that as it may, it's great to be with you again, Lib Lifers; may this post find you well.

Up to this point, 2020 had been a time of important adjustments, with the University starting its school year in August, to classes now being held online. While change isn't always easy, there are times when it leads to something better.

Closed for now.

At Your Service

A library doesn't feel whole without its students, but safety comes first. At current community quarantine levels, the JRU libraries remain closed to users, but this doesn't mean that you can't borrow books anymore. We are presently encouraging the use of our electronic resources, but if you simply must get your hands on some needed titles, then your wish is our command.

Online is the Key

Start by searching up to three books through our OPAC. Send an email to library@jru.edu to have our staff set these aside, and you’ll be informed if they are ready for pick up at the lobby. You may claim the books personally, via proxy, or through courier service (at the borrower’s expense). 

A good benefit from borrowing books at this time is that you get to keep them for up to one (1) month. If there’s ever a good time to borrow that novel you’ve had your eye on, now is the perfect opportunity.

Novels: we've got you covered.

Books may be returned the same way through the lobby. Please let us know via email when to expect them, so that we may have them retrieved. Overdue fees are still in effect, so be mindful of due dates.

The New Normal 

A peek inside the Main Library will reveal a closed shelf system. Access to the shelves is restricted to the staff, and once conditions improve and the library opens its doors again, the books that you want to borrow shall be fetched for you.

We'll take it from here.

 

Printed books and fiction books may still be borrowed for a month, so don’t be afraid to grab that thick paperback for reading; you’ve held back long enough.

Non-print resources such as Compact Discs may now be borrowed for two weeks, while the lending period for mobile resources like laptops remains the same for students. 

Social distancing protocols mean some differences will be felt in other services such as use of the Learning Commons: only four (4) people will be allowed inside the room instead of ten. Similarly, the Computer Workstations will only be accommodating 50% of its total capacity.


2020 may have momentarily left us in the dark, but it has never truly blinded us. The changes it has influenced only show that we are capable of adapting. 

The end of the road is not quite there yet, but as long as we carry on, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay safe and productive, Lib Lifers!