Module 2 | A Library Learning Commons is dedicated to student-centred learning because successful learners are empowered citizens (Ekdahl, Zubke, 2014). |
I will provide my administrator with this checklist in order to list the areas that need improvement plus areas that have been already accomplished. In my school district funding is a huge issue especially if you are a teacher-librarian. Last year the funding formula changed - rather than receiving a lump sum for the library resources, funding became more centralized and it became the responsibility of the administrator to distribute the public funds. Many school libraries faced a substantial decrease in funding. By providing my administrator with my library's vision, goals and the LLC checklist, I will be able to present a good argument for increased funding to be allocated to the new LLC.
I feel I am close to beginning the transformation into a learning commons. There are, however, a few roadblocks:
Staffing and Staff Relationship
- The allocation of TL staffing to the LLC is sufficient to enable the growth of an LLC program.
21st Century Teaching and Learning
- The administrator recognizes that investing in an LLC is an investment in 21st Century learning and in student achievement.
Collaborative Culture
- Staff and students place value on being a collaborative community; the LLC is both a key to this and a reflection of this.
Equally important is to redesign the school library website with the inclusion of subscription packages and suitable links that enrich either the curriculum or students' projects. It is imperative to have direct discussions with teachers regarding curricular outcomes.
Technology
- Students and staff have sufficient and equitable access to current production and presentation hardware and software to enable technology integration with teaching and learning in the LLC.
Infrastructure
- Tables and chairs are easy to move and to reconfigure to provide workspaces for individuals, small groups, and whole classes.
- There are comfortable seating spaces for quiet reading, story-time, independent study, class sessions and shared readings.
- There is a flexible presentation space in one or more instructional areas that include an area for computer access.
This is an area that needs to an overhaul. The physical space is quite limited. I would like to have more movable shelving, newer tables for collaboration and comfortable seating for reading. It is essential to provide a comfortable work area that allow students and teachers to work, either individually or in groups. Teachers' professional development or discussing school collaborative projects can be held here as well.
The LLC requires funding as it represents a significant school and district investment of time, energy, resources, services, tools and shared expertise (Ekdahl, Zubke, 2014). Because the theory behind a learning commons is based on a whole-school approach, this should have a direct impact on and needs to be a part of a school improvement plan.
**While reading library blogs regarding the transformation into a learning commons, many referred to the book, The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & Learning. It might be a good idea to obtain a copy to glean the effects of designing a positive learning environment. **I'm also starting to read examples on "markerspacers" and its usefulness in a library with limited space. |
Ekdahl, M. and S. Zubke, eds. (2014). From School Library to Library Learning Commons: A Pro·Active Model of Educational Change (Reviewing document). Retrieved from http://bctf.ca/bctla/pub/documents/2014/SL2LLC_ReviewingCopy.pdf