shift: Flexible, Collaborative, and Engaged Library Learning Commons Spaces
When school improvement is centered on the needs of student learning and well-being and owned by each learning community then change happens. The Durham District School Board (DDSB) in Ontario has invested in transforming learning spaces to shift the focus on learning.
This district goal aligns beautifully with the school library learning commons approach. At the Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2018 Richard Reid, Program Facilitator, Library Learning Commons/Educational Technology and colleagues Amanda Paterson and Craig Spencer shared their drive to shift: Flexible, Collaborative, and Engaged Library Learning Commons Spaces.
“Innovative Spaces are a part of 21st Century Teaching and Learning. When we create new Library Learning Commons environments, we ignite curiosity, develop wonder and foster collaboration. Innovative learning environments also enable the shift of teacher practice and pedagogy that takes places in schools.”
Enjoy these videos as examples of growing success of this district initiative. Follow the DDSB shift initiative on Twitter: #DDSBshift.
DDSB Shift: Elementary Library Learning Commons
Principal Jennifer Brusselers and teacher-librarian Kim Gunn share how they shifted learning at Sunset Heights Public School to involve the learning community. The transformation from library to learning commons addressed many school and district goals including giving teachers and students voice. Student enthusiasm for the transformed spaces and learning approaches is clear.
DDSB Shift: Secondary Library Learning Commons
Shane Stagg, Department Head of Library at Brooklin High School is shifting learning through the use of flexible space and research databases. Grade 9 students share their take on learning in transformed spaces and the benefits of online resources/databases for a science research project in the learning commons.
This article was prepared by the editors, with files from Richard Reid.