My background is actually in theater - so collaborative learning, and the way that a librarian can position his/herself in a collaborative learning environment by developing a virtual learning commons, or working with teachers to come up with innovative supplementary projects to enhance learning is particularly exciting to me. More and more, the "official" library code seems to be embracing collaboration. The AASL Guidelines for School Library Media Programs state “Perhaps a better way to think of 21st century learning environments is as the support systems that organize the condition in which humans learn best – systems that accommodate the unique learning needs of every learner and support the positive human relationships needed for effective learning." (emphasis mine). "Effective learning" is tied to collaboration in practical rhetoric, and not just in the writings of Lave et. al.
21st century librarians who work in education, whether it be academic or K-12, need to embrace collaboration in my opinion. The library is the ideal space outside of the classroom for students to collaborate on projects to enhance learning, and apply the knowledge that they've learned in classrooms to "real-life" situations. Librarians themselves can model good collaborative behavior by encouraging teachers to work with them to develop supplemental learning experiences for students.
You note that librarians can model good collaborative behavior to teachers by encouraging them to work together with the library. Are there ways that librarians can model this behavior to encourage students? Perhaps in an instruction session where there is more than the usual interaction, but I wonder how we can model this while doing our other duties as librarians? (I do often get groups of students coming together at the reference desk to ask a question, so there would be a good opportunity, but it's not the norm.)
ReplyDelete-Kristin Laughtin
Hi Maryanne,
ReplyDeleteCollaborative learning differs from traditional teaching approaches because students work together rather than compete with each other individually. Mixed-skill groups can be especially helpful to students in developing their social abilities. The skills needed to work together in groups are quite distinct from those used to succeed in writing a paper on one's own or completing most homework. Collaboration actively involves students in learning. Each member has opportunities to contribute in small groups. Students are apt to take more ownership of their material and to think critically about related issues when they work as a team.