By Kathy Conroy
School libraries across Alberta are busy shifting into learning common environments. In 2015, Alberta Education introduced a policy mandating schools to adopt the learning commons model. In the Alberta Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12 2017-2018, it states, “The concept of a learning commons is a shift in thinking from a library as a physical space that is a repository of books, to an inclusive, flexible, learner-centred, physical and/or virtual space for collaboration, inquiry, imagination and play to expand and deepen learning.” Judith Sykes, who helped guide the policy shift at Alberta Education, says “I am encouraged that most schools have started or are well into the physical transformation from library to learning commons; developing the learning and teaching philosophy is the next phase, each school will be at a different place in the development.”
The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) Instructional Media Center team (IMC) approached this policy by looking to the Foothills School District model as a starting point to formulate its own learning commons policy. MaryLee Ang, who is on the IMC team at CCSD, says “after a year of implementation in CCSD, we wrote our CCSD Learning Commons Implementation Guide, created a framework, and made both into an interactive infographic.” Currently, 80% of CCSD schools are in transition or have become a learning commons.
Implementing the Learning Commons Model at CCSD
The CCSD IMC team supported the newly titled Learning Commons Librarians (LCLs) in their transitions through PD sessions, mentorship programs and a Google+ community for communication,collaboration and sharing between the LCLs. Many of the LCLs that I spoke with agreed that the PD sessions were very helpful with transitioning and defining their space. Michelle Catonio, Instructional Media Specialist with CCSD, noted that the district does not have teacher librarians “we push for/encourage Learning Commons teams where our library staff works closely with the teaching staff.”
Switching to the Learning Commons Model
LCLs at CCSD have worked hard to bring the learning commons model as well as the practices of the CSL standards, Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons, in their schools. I spoke with some LCLs about their experience with the transition and most agreed that it was an ongoing process. They spend a lot of time educating staff and students about the space and how it is to be used. LCL’s say they see more student and staff engagement in the room with the new furniture and learning centers. Shelly Chrun finds her learning commons “is much more student-centered with more ways for students to collaborate and learn. It has been very positive.”
This transition is not something that happens quickly Monica Palidwar points out. She describes the process as “ a lot of work, but the result is a great place for students to collaborate, build and be creative.”
This model requires collaboration with teachers and administration. The LCLs I spoke with said there was an increased amount of collaboration with their staff. This validates their role with staff and the added value of the learning commons within the school.
How the Space is Being Used
A variety of learning opportunities and activities are taking place including: regular library classes, green screen filming, individual and group learning, coding, lunch ‘N’ learns, knitting, STEM challenges, CTF and makerspace classes. In Donna Thiessen’s learning commons, math and science classes are now using the space as well as Calgary Public Library who run coding classes. Jessica Blackwell holds maker nights and does curriculum linked activities with her classes. Kerri Barnett says it best when describing her space as a “living breathing entity that changes as the needs change. It can be a large presentation space for groups, or it can be broken into several smaller spaces for smaller group activities”.
MakerSpaces
The maker movement is strong in many of the learning commons polled with curriculum-based and student-led projects. The district IMC team created the Maker March Challenge in 2016. This is a 3 month design challenge open to all schools with the LCL in charge of a team of staff and students. The goal behind the challenge was to, as Ang says, “showcase that making can be tied to curriculum, and support students in higher level thinking and promote soft skills”. Every year, the challenge grows with 37 teams competing in the 2018 challenge.
Challenges in the Learning Commons
Of course there are always some pains when growing. One challenge is time since most LCLs work on a part-time basis. Donna Thiesson says “the challenges of only being there from 9-1 daily has meant a lot of my own extra time has gone into this transition.”
There is also the fear of the unknown. Kerri Barnett acknowledged that “at first it was a bit intimidating but as time has progressed, I find that I enjoy the changes this has brought”.
Another challenge is changing mindsets about the role of learning commons. Judith Sykes offers advice to LCL’s to invite teachers to “short “lunchtime” or after school events to view a quick video, explore new curricular resources, and discuss ideas for engaging students. This helps to solidify the role that LCLs have in student learning and shows their expertise. Paula Helm experienced some growing pains with “resistance from teachers in the beginning to a “wow” this space is so versatile and user-friendly”.
CCSD Learning Commons to Date
Most LCLs I spoke with say that their learning commons has become the heart or hub of the school. Students and the most staff members are excited by the changes that have occurred and the opportunities that are being given to them in this space. Donna Thiessen said “having students discover new skills, be creative and have a safe space to play, read or engage with others is very important”. Ellen McClure commented “we are keeping in the tradition of reading and literacy but integrating new, exciting opportunities to expand the school community”. The IMC team has noted “even our most hesitant LCLs are now our biggest advocates. We are seeing much more innovative Learning Commons programming.”
It is an exciting time now with all the changes taking place in school libraries across Alberta. The Learning Commons model in CCSD has opened up a whole new world for 21st century students to learn, discover, explore, create and develop new life skills where they can take ownership of their learning in a carefully designed and safe environment.
Additional Resources
See what some CCSD schools are doing via their Twitter accounts:
Alberta Education: Benefits of a Learning Commons
Alberta Education: Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12 2017-2018
CSSD: Learning Commons Infographic
Canadian School Libraries: Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada
Webinar: Byting into the Learning Commons
Kathy Conroy is a school librarian with the Calgary Catholic School Board. Kathy has worked in school libraries for 6 years and previous to that was a public librarian for 7 years. Her Learning Commons focuses on three goals: students becoming effective users of digital information; creative makers through inquiry and problem solving; and readers for life. Kathy has presented at local association events in Montreal on best practices in school libraries. She has also given professional development sessions to staff and board library colleagues. Kathy is currently working on becoming a Google certified trainer. In her spare time, she likes to camp, hike in the Rockies and play board games.