Designing learning environments to support participatory learning

In the makerspace, students use different tools and manipulatives to learn how to build and collaborate together. We have had our grade 10 CLE class come in to practice teamwork and effective communication by using Keva Planks and Lego. Our social studies has used the makerspace to build castles in groups using paper and scissors as well as the Google glasses to check out virtual museums. These are all examples of how we use our resources to engage our students and improve student learning.

Tammy Le - Teacher Librarian at Salish Secondary and BCTLA President

It has been a privilege working as a Teacher Librarian in Surrey as we have implemented the library learning commons model in our school district. In my own practice, having the LLC space equipped with adaptable technology, tables, and seating reaches beyond the goal of meaningful participatory student learning. This model also facilitates best practices of inclusive education through universal design for learning in the LLC. Having the physical furnishings in the LLC move around and facilitate all kinds of activities allows me to design lessons that with varied learning modalities and needs of all learners. In fact, we learn together in every way imaginable! Whether it’s students acting out dramatized pretend play, like when we crawled and climbed across “the house” we built with cushions and furniture like Truman the tortoise (by Jean Reidy), or using the scientific method to find out whether ramen can be “cooked” in cold water after reading Magic Ramen (by Andrea Wang), the LLC is a place that connects learning from all subject areas and aspects of life. Having the LLC optimized with quality technology has allowed students to engage meaningfully in all kinds of learning. Adaptable technology in the LLC helps display the world of recorded read-alouds, allows the TL to demonstrate the steps for logging into Minecraft Education Edition, and even extends learning through viewing video clips. When an interesting question is raised, I can effortlessly screenshare my iPad to our TV or projector using Apple TV to cast my Google Earth app to see what the real cities and schools look like in Adventures to School (by Miranda Paul & Baptiste Paul). All in one lesson, the LLC can be transformed from a busy workspace, to a theater, to a lab, to a different planet. In a very meta way, the power of the LLC mirrors the experience of literature itself - when wielded purposefully, the LLC and the TL can take students on a journey beyond the four walls into learning that engages the participants and capture their imaginations where we might just forget we’re even at school.

Alicia McCormick - Teacher Librarian at Don Christian Elementary

The Library Learning Commons at Bonaccord Elementary is truly a “whole school participatory learning community” as described by Canadian School Libraries. Our Learning Commons is at the centre of the school, physically, pedagogically, and socially. The flexible model and financial support for technology and other materials is provided by the school district, school administrators, and staff. All levels have worked together on grants to enable the Learning Commons model to be successfully implemented. Staff and students have strong connections to the Learning Commons. The space was recently transformed from the structure of a traditional school library to a flexible, multi-purpose space. It now lends itself to hosting an array of inquiry and project-based learning. The space and the learning resources are accessed by learners as they need it. There may be whole classes, small groups, or individuals using the space simultaneously. A recent example of the multiplicity and dynamic use of the space was when we had a Grade 7 class working collaboratively on a Grecian Minecraft build, we had two Grade 4 students working on a coding challenge in a study room and a special needs student quietly sitting in an area with his Education Assistant looking at books as a choice work break. In addition to the flexible space, the Library Commons schedule is intentionally designed to create long collaborative blocks. This allows me to work with teachers in curricular areas as requested. After experimenting and refining inquiries with a teacher or grade group, I invite other teachers or grade groups to enter into a similar inquiry. This process facilitates new instructional design to be gradually introduced throughout the school. As I reflect on a school year, I am always impressed by the variety of collaborative learning that has been accomplished across curricular areas, including local nature-based learning inquires, mapping inquiries, arts-based inquiries including dance and puppetry, story workshop, as well as multiple ADST projects. Technology is used as means to support and document inquiries across the grades. Projects and assessment are created in collaboration with each teacher, often with student input. For example, the grade seven group recently designed a four-point rubric for the Ancient Civilizations project using Minecraft Education. That project was built on several years of gradually working with Minecraft Education and was initiated by students. Through the work done in the Learning Commons students are using the social-emotional skills embedded in our school goals to become more motivated, engaged, curious learners and are taking more ownership of their learning. The flexibility and openness of the Library Learning Commons model, in all aspects, is preparing learners to take an active role in our democratic society.

Dawne Murray - Teacher Librarian at Bonaccord Elementary School

Recently, the Teacher-Librarians and our district SOGI team collaborated on a Pride Poster Contest. We invited students to create posters representing their favourite LGBTQIA2S+ authors and/or books. Teacher Librarians worked with students in their schools and the submissions were incredible! 8 posters from elementary students and 6 from secondary students were selected to be professionally printed for each school Library Learning Commons.

Andrea LaPointe & Nicole Curtis - Teacher Librarian Helping Teacher & Inclusive Practices Helping Teacher