Study Ties College Success to Students’ Exposure to a High School Librarian (Article from the School Library Journal)

An article recently landed in my inbox (hence the title of the post) about the three way relationship between the Teacher-Librarian, teacher and student in shaping the success of students in their studies at tertiary level.

Research has found that the development of information literacy skills is shaped during a student's schooling. Students that were exposed to the expertise and skills of a teacher librarian are more likely to result in better academic achievement at university. Also collaboration with teacher made it even more likely.

I found from my own experience as a student, that we were not necessarily prepared for the requirements to engage in learning effectively at university level. For example, I did not know what a database was and how to use it, nor to reference effectively.

These experiences have helped me as a teacher librarian. I encourage students to make use of databases that may be available to them, either through the school library, their local library or the State Library of NSW. I have found them to be amazed at what they do end up finding.

Or teaching students where to locate books on a certain topic e.g. Music in the 700's.

Also I have encouraged students to not just focus on websites, but also on printed, electronic and audio visual materials through Resource Based Learning.

And finally I have been an advocate of Guided Inquiry because it allows for that reflection on the learning process, right from start to finish. I have guided senior students in writing up a research question/s, recommending resources (as mentioned) or reflecting on the usefulness of a resource.

Boys, Underachievement and fixing the problem

I came across an article written by Dr. Peter West this morning. It was funded by The King's School at North Parramatta and the University of Western Sydney. 

What I did like about it was some of the strategies that he has recommended to engage boys in their learning. 

I tended to take more interest in the reading side. I would agree with the need to promote non fiction literature because it can relate back to their interests. The Book Week idea was excellent because it allows one (especially teachers) to share their favourite literature with others. Imagine a PE teacher sharing one book that they love reading. It allows the boys to learn something about their teacher that they may not know. I think they like surprises. 

Another point of interest was active learning.  I think you still follow a guided inquiry process for learning, but rather than an essay or report, the information is presented through engagement in the role play or debate. Debating does also require critical thinking as you must justify a particular point of view while at the same time rejecting the alternative view.