Tag Archives: #StudentCentred

The foundation of an authentic learning environment.

Complex Systems, Library Management, Model Thinking

Agent-based modelling of the school library

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(1956 words)

Each student represents a vast complex system and each student operates in the context of many different complex systems (or complex adaptive social systems). These systems include (but are not limited to) the classroom, the library, the playground, their sports teams, their families, their local social networks and within broad global networks. They are adaptive because these systems are in a constant state of change based on the interactions between each agent (student or adult) and choices they make. The broad categories of each social context – such as the family, the classroom and the school – remain recognisable however the interactions within and between each of these contexts ensures that no day in the classroom or library is ever quite the same. This is one of the reasons why education is such an interesting, challenging and rewarding field to work in. Continue reading Agent-based modelling of the school library →

Agency, Inquiry, language, Library Management, literacy, Multiliteracies

Student Agency : revisiting “Choice Words” by Peter Johnston

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Building a sense of learner agency in the library begins now.

(1700 words)

Whenever I consider the concept of student agency I am always drawn back to “Choice words : how our language affects children’s learning” by Peter H. Johnston, 2004. In particular, chapter 4 “Agency and becoming strategic”, in a very concise & practical way clarifies what student agency is, what it looks like and how we can have a powerful impact on learning.

“Children should leave school with a sense that if they act, and act strategically, they can accomplish their goals. I call this feeling a sense of agency.”

“The spark of agency is simply the perception that the environment is responsive to our actions, and many researchers argue that agency is a fundamental human desire.”

Choice Words : How our language affects children's learning
“Choice Words : How our language affects children’s learning” by Peter Johnston

“This desire for agency persists throughout life and is so powerful, that when people feel there is no relationship between what they do and what happens, they become depressed and helpless.”

“Teachers’ conversations with children help the children build the bridges between action and consequence that develop their sense of agency. They show children how, by acting strategically, they accomplish things, and at the same time, that they are the kind of person who accomplishes things.”

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Library Management

Rebranding libraries

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(1651 words)

There are many aspects of modern libraries that are agreeable elements incorporating the more traditional aspects of libraries that to a greater or lesser extent are well accepted. What we need in libraries is a vision that not only encompasses these elements but extends and challenges the current paradigms that have defined libraries. Changing the name to a “learning commons” or “hub” is an attempt to do this but the change needs to come in the culture around libraries and the dialogues that happen around libraries (and often exclude libraries). Libraries are already the most trusted institution ahead of the military, the police, small businesses, and religious institutions (Pew Research Center ) so we mess with this brand at our own peril. We need to rebrand the library by redefining our relevance in the modern information landscape. Here are some ideas that can help libraries to do this.

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