This paper presents the simple but successful Literature Circles model at St Andrew's Cathedral School within the context of the importance of developing reading as a foundation for building knowledge. It covers crucial factors for success of the program, practicalities and procedures, the selection of books, and strategies for substantive discussion and a book list of the most successful titles.
What is the value and shape of collaborative practice for the teacher librarian in schools? This paper will look at definitions of collaborative practice, relevant research, the critical role of the teacher librarian, information process models and the underpinning pedagogy of learning communities, information literacy and constructivist learning. It will present a range of strategies at the macro level for developing opportunities for collaboration with teaching staff and library colleagues and at the micro level, strategies to enable the collaboration to occur in an effective and integrated way once avenues of communication and other forums have been set up.
Collaboration is the key for a school librarian to work successfully at integrating information skills into the school curriculum and to become a vital cog in the teaching and learning cycle within the school. This is easily said, but how do we make it happen? What strategies can we use to develop opportunities for collaboration with teaching staff? How can we foster strong links across the whole learning community of the school? This paper will briefly consider a definition of collaboration and various models of collaboration including their theoretical and pedagogical underpinning. In addition to considering the role and mindset of the teacher librarian, a range of practical macro- and micro-strategies for developing collaboration with teaching staff in an effective and integrated way will be presented; these include technology, special learning needs, building a reading culture, literacy and instructional design. A self-diagnostic tool developed from this paper is offered to enable each teacher librarian to evaluate opportunities for furthering collaboration in his/her school context.
A synthesis of qualitative research examining foundational reasons for Finnish success in PISA tests including the role of school and public libraries; based on interviews with more than forty Finnish practitioners and experts in universities, schools, government organisations, municipal departments of education, school and public libraries in four cities. Brief consideration is also given to the use of technology in Finnish schools and the new digital agenda commencing in 2016.
Reading is a foundational skill for academic success. However, a wide range of other skills are also essential for equipping students for life in the 21st century. These skills are considered in relation to the school library and help inform teacher librarians of the qualities they are seeking to instil in their students. Two programs run through the school library at St Andrew’s in collaboration with the English Faculty are explained: the Independent Research Project incorporating reading and guided inquiry, and Wide Reading Programs supported by well-designed activities to encourage reflection and development of information literacy skills; examples of the tasks and activities will be provided to attendees. Original research into students' reading is used to strengthen the program, and strategies to help reluctant students achieve and approaches incorporating Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset are employed to create a positive, supportive climate of high expectations in the classroom and to help the school library make a substantial difference within the school community.
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