# data[].attributes.body
There were many different understandings of our Driving Question: "How can we make GTPL a "must-see/visit" attraction for our local middle and high school students?" At the beginning, students struggled to wrap their mind around the concept. Most of our students already loved the library, so it already was a "must-visit" place for them. At this stage (observation/investigation), we were beginning to make sense of the question, but not entirely.

Once we reached the end of the observation/investigation stage, we decided to reach out to the GTPL staff. Liz & Rob were able to come in to hear where we were at. This was where ideas/solutions were able to refined and the actual directions we would take became much clearer.

Now that the DQ had been refined, and we have narrowed down our possible solutions, we were then able to bring our understanding to the focus: Beyond Books. This is a two-pronged attack in which we would revamp the "Teen Area" and add a "Teen Book of Things".

# data[].attributes.body
GTPL Stakeholders

Employees

Visitors

Readers

Taxpayers

People looking for things to do

Students (of all ages)

The Elderly

Adults

Young Families

# data[].attributes.body
GTPL Teen Initionative

# data[].attributes.body
Doing: Reading | Studying | Working | Using Technology

Thinking: "The library has lots of resources!" | "Overwhelmed by the choice of books" | "How do I find the best book for me?"

Saying: "How do I rent something from the Book of Things?" | "You should come to GTPL" | "I like the programming options available to me"

Feeling: Stressed out | Happy | "Zen"

# data[].attributes.body
Students worked through the entire design process sequencing to deliver the best possible solution. We accomplished this task through 10's of hours meticulous planning, creating prototypes and manipulatives, as well as feedback and revision.

# data[].attributes.body
In order to narrow down our groupings of ideas, we did the "Combin-Idea-tion" protocol. This was particularly helpful as it forced our students to think outside of the box and bring multiple different ideas together. It was a little awkward at first, but once kids the hang of it, we went from 15 groups of ideas to 5 Groups.

# data[].attributes.body
After narrowing down the groups, we then moved in the NUF Test. This was the last protocol we did on Thursday before leaving. As a group, we decided that our most promising idea was exploring the "Teen Resources" category, followed closely by "Navigation", then "Teen Area REVAMP". In order to further narrow down our thinking, we followed up Friday morning with the $100 Test. Interestingly enough, we got slightly different results with the "Teen Events" category gaining the most funding, followed by the "Teen Resources", and the "Teen Area Revamp".

# data[].attributes.body
While the Georgetown Public Library is an already established and respected community space, this does not mean that there are not areas of improvement available. One of the areas that could see the most improvement is the tween/teen foot traffic. It will be our job to craft a solution to help bring more 11-19 year-olds to the GTPL.

# data[].attributes.body
Once we had narrowed down our ideas to these three groups, we then broke students our into two groups. Each group gave a pitch based on their ideas and potential solutions. After each group presented their ideas and justified their responses, the other group had the opportunity to ask questions and further develop their ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
How do we make the Georgetown Public Library a "must-see/visit" attraction for our local community?

# data[].attributes.body
1. Communication

2. Team Work

3. Self-Respect

4. Honesty

5. Collaboration

# data[].attributes.body
Today, we started off the day by driving to Schulers Books in Grand Rapids. While there, we had students identify individual books from 9 different genres as well as how much they cost. Once that was complete, students tallied up how much money it would cost to buy those books. If only there was a place where you could read all of those books for free....

# data[].attributes.body
Students presented our solution to the driving question in front of multiple Georgetown Public Library staff members.

# data[].attributes.body
Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Intrinsic Motivation

Adaptability

Time Management

# data[].attributes.body
Now that our ideas were refined into "Teen Area Revamp" and "Teen Book of Things", we headed off to Critical Friends for constructive criticism and possible gaps in our solution. This occurred on Monday, June 22 and was a smashing success. At first, it was a bit awkward. Students were a hesitant to offer criticism or voice any clarifying questions they had. As the protocol went on, however, the constructive criticism flowed much more naturally and the purpose of the protocol became much clearer and fruitful.

Once we got back from Critical Friends, we first watched a practice pitch from the anchor doc. After talking through our likes, dislikes, and wonderings, we then moved directly into our To-Do List. This forced students to revise their ideas and decide the minute details of both the pitch and actual solution.

# data[].attributes.body
While we were at the CTC building for our Pitch-Out today, we gathered tremendously impactful feedback. The judges today provided invaluable feedback to our students and did a great job highlighting both our strengths and weaknesses. The questions that were posed pushed students to critically evaluate their thought-process and solutions.

When we returned to GTPL, students immediately dove right into how we could improve the slideshow, the script, as well as prototypes for the final Pitch to GTPL.

Reflecting on this experience, we are incredibly fortunate to have had such tremendous judges and resources available to us.

# data[].attributes.body
One big positive for us during this stage was that we repeatedly checked-in with Georgetown Public Library staff as we progressed through the various stages.

Another big point of redirection/clarification was having Jordan Whittecar come in and listen to a practice pitch before we presented on Wednesday. Her feedback based off of the rubric, and personal expertise, were incredibly valuable and provided numerous points of improvement throughout the pitch.

# data[].attributes.body
What | So What | Now What | Protocol

# data[].attributes.body
One of the major positives from this experience was exposing students to constructive, critical feedback. At first, it was difficult for students to have their ideas be either modified or rejected; this is a difficult process after all. However, as we progressed onwards, students became much more receptive and vulnerable to community feedback.

One major surprise was how quickly students were able to make the changes they needed to and come to a consensus. Starting off with off 110 ideas, narrowing it down to two, then expanding on those ideas in every which way, is a demanding process. Students never wavered, and always marched forward to the end goal of making the best presentation possible.

We would for sure practice more. We only really got two practices before we pitched our solution on Wednesday. While students were prepared and did well, there were a few moments in which students suffered from a lack preparation.

# data[].attributes.body
1. While in the car, we spent our time discussing, introductions, major summer plans, favorite snacks, where "Up North" is, and what is the best way to enjoy cheese.

2. We discussed favorite classes and what made them so great. In addition, we worked together to develop some great interview questions for different library programming directors.

# data[].attributes.body
One thing that went well during this stage was the amount of time and effort that the kids put in during solution stage. It was all hands on deck trying to build out the specifics of our solution to the DQ as well as the pitch.

A big surprise was how quickly the time went by. As teacher leaders, we wanted to make sure that the days were filled with protocols and structure, especially during the solution days. Students ended up needing hours of group work time to really structure the solution the way that is unique to them.

If we were to do this again, we would schedule less protocols, and, in their stead, have group and individual work time.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is our link to the Final Presentation!

# data[].attributes.body
The importance of this was readily apparent to students, especially after hearing feedback from our constituents. Both Rob & Liz reemphasized the gravity and significance of this project. While students have been taking this seriously and put forth great effort, hearing from those who have a real, vested interested in the blossoming of this library was incredibly important.

# data[].attributes.body
How do you plan on checking in with your groups during and after the investigation stage?

During the Investigation Stage: While students are investigating the driving question of making GTPL a "must-see" attraction for our local community, we decided to check-in with kids every so often. This was almost always informal, and we always tried to listen to our group

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! My name is Nathan Schmuckal and I teach 9th & 11th grade English Language Arts at Hudsonville High School

I am Ashlee DeGraaf, and I teach 11th & 12th grade English at Jenison High School. I am also the theatre director for the high school.

# data[].attributes.body
We needed all of the resources that we have been previously using.

# data[].attributes.body
One thing that went well during this check in stage was how open to feedback students were. Everyone has crafted and left an indelible mark on this project. Hearing from various adults and educators, it can be easy for people to become defensive. This group, on the contrary, have been very receptive and eager to improve their work.

The amount of feedback that was given during this process. Everyone that we presented to was extremely helpful and wanted the best for us. It was extremely encouraging for the students to be both validated and pushed back on, ultimately pushing us towards success.

Next time we will be more specific earlier on. When we arrived here, there was some struggle to give feedback to ourselves as well as others. We would preface the feedback stage by going over what effective feedback is and how we both give/receive it.

# data[].attributes.body
One thing that went well was our excursions into the "real-world". Visiting local libraries such as Herrick District Library and Howard-Miller Library was not only fun, but also invaluable learning experiences for both students and teacher-leaders. Interviewing librarians and program directors were extremely kind, informative, and helpful!

There were a lot of surprises along the way. One big surprise that was the effectiveness of the "Top 10" protocol as well as the "What, So What, Now What" protocol. Both of these activities really forced students to think about our DQ in ways that had not previously.

What would you do differenly?

We would slightly change the order of how we investigated public libraries. Originally, we looked at Herrick DL and Howard-Miller DL before GTPL. If we could do it again, we would start with our home library and interview our own direction before going our and exploring other libraries. That and we would go look at numerous other smaller libraries to see how they utilize their space and resources.

# data[].attributes.body
In order to be successful in the observation stage, we need to have time, patience, teamwork, and a "can-do" attitude. Materially, we used a lot of large post-it notes, expo markers, access to the internet to browse webpages, whiteboard space, money to purchase food, a van for transportation, and a space to complete our work.

# data[].attributes.body
For the investigation stage we needed various resources such as vehicular transportation, large post-it notes, the internet, YouTube, and expo markers/a whiteboard.

# data[].attributes.body
"Schuler Books was a great experience! I have never been there before; I will definitely be back on my own time." - Mr. Schmuckal

# data[].attributes.body
One of the things that went well was how eager and willing everyone was to share out their potential ideas and brainstorm possible broad solutions. Every student made major contributions during the 3-12-3 protocol as well as the 100 idea quote (we ended up with 115 ideas!). Another thing that went well was our check-in with Liz. After our 100 idea quota and grouping/saturation, we checked-in with her and Rob to see what they had to say about our thought-process.

How different everyone's ideas were. Students were all over the place in terms of possible solutions and how we could solve our Driving Question. During our Grouping/Saturation, we had 15 different groups for all of our ideas.

One thing that we would do differently is try more out-of-the-box thinking exercises.

# data[].attributes.body
We needed all of the resources that we have been previously using.

# data[].attributes.body
"Wow, I can't believe that Schulers has so many books". - Tyce

"Now that I think about it, there are a lot of different groups of people who have a real investment in the public library". - Jonah

"I wonder what we could do to bring more people here?" - Reece

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of student work, to reflect on the authentic audience, the pitch, the final product. Include any information/pictures from your community partner.

# data[].attributes.body
"We here at GTPL are really looking forward to hearing the ideas that the students come up with during this process. Ultimately, it's for them, so we believe that they will deliver the best answer to our DQ". - Liz

# data[].attributes.body
One of the big successes that we were able to accomplish during the observation stage was establishing a cohesive team unit. Everyone in the group has come together and work well together. The protocols have gone well and students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what is being asked of them.

One thing that has surprised us is the amount of resources that public libraries has for its patrons. Every library seems to have their own "book of things" for communal usage.

If we were to do this again, there are some minor things that would be changed. For instance, during the observation stage, we might start with an interview and tour of our home (GTPL) library before touring and looking at other local libraries.

# data[].attributes.body
We needed all of the resources that we have been previously using.

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of student work, links to reflect how your students built empathy, determined Need to Knows, and uncovered important information to solve their driving question?

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of student work, and written documentation to reflect how teams were built, how students uncovered and understood the driving question, the standards covered, and the launch into the project

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of student work to reflect how your students came up with multiple ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of student work to reflect on the check ins done throughout the project.  How did students reflect throughout the process? How did student critique and revise?

# data[].attributes.body
Show through pictures, videos, examples of works to reflect on how students narrowed their ideas, determined their best solution, and developed the solution.

# data[].attributes.body
Today was, all in all, a really great first day. The team gelled nicely, and everything went off without a hitch. Schulers was fun and a good time for everyone, we then got snacks, and completed a few protocols along the way. Panera was a great lunch spot, and then spent the rest of the afternoon delving deeper into our DQ. One suggestion would be taking a tour of the library earlier on in the day; students generally liked the order and pacing of protocols as well. Not much feedback from GTPL other than them sharing their quote about the excitement levels. Time will tell how well today will play into the rest of the project. Overall, vibes are high and spirits are raised! :)