I love to see the library being used as a learning commons, with groups of students creating, collaborating, and problem solving in all different contexts and mediums. There are groups of students engaged in a variety of academic activities, from quizzing each other in preparation for a Spanish test to editing a PSA for government to creating a spreadsheet in Google for lab data. Students are working together to master concepts and make good use of the technology tools available.There are students exploring the books, searching for titles on the library catalog or browsing the displays. Students are helping each other make good choices. Our young people still love to read! We had a great book club last week, out of which our book review blog was born. Students are asking to have a voice, they want to contribute to our school learning commons!
There are students playing games, engaging in problem solving and strategy development as they communicate effectively with others. Our gaming area has really taken off this year, and I have been excited to see students learn new games, teach others, and play with classmates with whom they might not naturally spend time. These games encourage inquiry as players are forced to think critically, be willing to take risks and learn from their failures.
Because all of this learning is happening simultaneously in the library, awesome can look a lot like chaos to the untrained eye, but when you engage with the students you recognize all of the learning taking place. These are learning experiences which I hope they will carry with them beyond their high school years. Learning that will enable them to continue to learn throughout life.
Sarah, I so completely agree that learning is active and noisy. Sometimes, of course, we do need quiet, but often true learning is messy and chaotic. I love walking through our library and observing the various learning spaces you've created.
ReplyDeleteStudent's clearly love the Lake George library and the freedom to collaborate and learn together!
ReplyDeleteI think the LG library is a wonderful space - it's obvious that there is thought put into the design of the entire space - and I love that those spaces are fluid based on what students' needs are. I'm curious if you get any negative feedback from students specifically who are just looking for a much quieter, less busy place to work. (There must be a few of them out there?)
ReplyDeleteI think the LG library is a wonderful space - it's obvious that there is thought put into the design of the entire space - and I love that those spaces are fluid based on what students' needs are. I'm curious if you get any negative feedback from students specifically who are just looking for a much quieter, less busy place to work. (There must be a few of them out there?)
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the "new library" I panicked for you thinking that chaos had erupted and you must be overwhelmed. Then I started walking around and saw all the wonderful spaces you have created. Great job! Very exciting.
ReplyDeleteWould also be awesome if a 100% silent space with walls was created, as a person who needs complete silence to focus and concentrate.
There are students who have asked about a quiet space, and that is a tough balance for me. To answer that need I have created an area designed to be a "quiet zone", with single chairs facing windows and a single study carol between each . Although we can't wall out the noise, it does create an isolated area for them, and many students will sit there with headphones on to create their "quiet" space.
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