Promoting 21st Century Skills in the School Library by SHARLENE HENDERSON https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney The School Library, and the Teacher-Librarian, are the heart of a school, and a great place for students to develop their 21st Century Skills. en-us 2018-10-16 10:29:47 UTC 2018-10-16 21:22:57 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Lightdecrease.png Article: The 5th ‘C’ of 21st Century Skills? Try Computational Thinking (Not Coding) [Glover, 2018] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293264651 This opinion piece describes how computer technology has integrated into all aspects of peoples’ lives, and questions if the primary school curriculum provides all students with the necessary 21st Century Skills they will need for their future.  

Glover argues the “4Cs of 21st Century Skills” requires the 5th core skill of Computational Thinking to be included as standard, while stressing that CT is not the same as coding but, rather, “thinking (or problem solving) like a computer scientist”. Further, it is suggested that CT involves critical thinking, collaboration & creativity but does not necessarily involve using a computer. Coding can be used to develop computational thinking skills, but they can be promoted throughout other areas of the curriculum, without involving coding or technology making CT a valuable element to integrate into all classrooms.  

Glover helpfully provides ideas for educators to promote CT through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Science, as well as addressing some misconceptions about CT, and providing a link to more information.  The article is likely to benefit all educators looking to integrate 21st Century Skills into their classrooms for the benefit of their students.
]]> 2018-10-16 12:01:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293264651 Article | Guided Inquiry: School Libraries in the 21st Century [Kuhlthau, 2010] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293266754 The author details the vital role Teacher Librarians can play in schools, using their positions to advocate for Inquiry Learning to support students' 21st Century learning.    

Khuhlthau explores five distinct types of learning achieved via Inquiry pedagogy, and is a powerful advocate for Guided Inquiry incorporating information literacy and technology. 

The article suggests Inquiry Learning is critical for 21st Century schools, and posits trained librarians are the lynchpin connecting resources and teachers.]]> 2018-10-16 12:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293266754 Video | Inquiry Learning: From Teacher-Guided to Student-Driven [Edutopia, 2015] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293501737 This video investigates the pedagogy and benefits of Inquiry Learning, and shows detailed examples of Inquiry Learning happening in classrooms. Teachers, students and school management are interviewed throughout the video, with lots of valuable insights shared. 

Whether you're new to Inquiry Learning, or have been implementing it in your classroom or library for years, this video will likely inspire and re-invigorate your passion for Inquiry Learning. ]]> 2018-10-16 17:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293501737 Video | TedX Talk: What 60 Schools Can Tell Us About Teaching 21st Century Skills [Lichtman, 2013] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293505666 In this video, Lichtman details the findings from his three-month road trip, sharing stories of what 64 schools and over 500 educators are doing in their quest to ensure their students are 21st Century Learners. 

As he begins by saying, "Schools are not good at innovation", a sentiment that seems to be shared by many educators worldwide. If schools are in the mode of "doing things the way they've always been done", how then, do we lead by example, and integrate 21st Century Learning into our classrooms and school libraries? This video goes some way towards answering that, by providing real-life examples that can be used as a basis for your own teaching. ]]> 2018-10-16 17:42:15 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293505666 Video | 21st Century School Libraries [SiouxFallsSchools, 2012 sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293513160 This library-focused video explores how school libraries are 21st Century Learning environments where so much more happens than just the borrowing of books. Various librarians are interviewed, who explain how their library is a place of critical thinking, collaboration and where technology meets the printed word. 

The snippets showing how Teacher-Librarians collaborate with other educators to extend on the students' learning that they are doing in their classrooms are particularly beneficial, as it is important for students to witness educators collaborating, as well as providing opportunities for the students themselves to collaborate. ]]> 2018-10-16 17:52:35 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293513160 Video | The Four C's: Making 21st Century Education Happen [EdLeader21, 2012] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293518695 A terrific short video where various stakeholders are interviewed about the 4C's approach the school is taking, and showing examples of learning in action.

This is one of the few videos found that includes the parents' voice, which I found to be particularly inspiring. That the parent was able to clearly explain what benefits they saw in their child through the focus on the 4C's was something I hadn't seen before. 

A fantastic point made during this video by several educators is that it is important to model the 4C's for students, in addition to teaching them, so they see them in action. Too often, the library can operate in a silo-type situation, with teachers just dropping off and picking up their class, so students don't witness the Teacher-Librarian collaborating or communicating with colleagues. This video suggests the need to be aware of this, and take measures to prevent it. ]]> 2018-10-16 18:00:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293518695 Video | Why a Makerspace in the Library [Luhtala, 2015] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293525996 With so many public school libraries receiving their funding from the PTA, it stands to reason that many Teacher-Librarians need to present their case for increased funding, additional space, renovations, etc. However some Teacher-Librarians have not had to advocate so strongly before, or present their case. It might be especially difficult when the request is for funding to cover resources that aren't (usually) associated with a school library, such as the creation of a MakerSpace area for students to conduct Inquiry projects.

This video may be of benefit to those TL's who do want to approach their PTA for funds, especially for a MakerSpace area, rather than funding out of their own pocket. It explores the benefits of MakerSpaces, including how they promote 21st Century Skill development, and encourage Inquiry Learning, and gives a few resources to use if creating a new presentation. ]]> 2018-10-16 18:12:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293525996 Video | 21st Century Skills in Action: Critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving [VBSchools, 2011] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293533771 This video investigates the why, when & how of 21st Century Skills, showcasing how some educators are integrating 21st Century Learning into their classrooms, and highlighting the benefits that can be achieved by students. As you will see, this goes beyond academic outcomes, with students showing elements of critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and group tasks being completed in an effective manner. 

The educators are particularly passionate advocates of 21st Century learning, which is always inspiring, and a lot of the examples shown are based on inquiry learning pedagogy. ]]> 2018-10-16 18:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293533771 WEBSITE | LibraryGirl sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293553851 With over 20 years experience as a teacher, teacher-librarian, mentor, advocate, lifelong learner and more, Jennifer Lagarde's site is full of wit, wisdom and valuable resources. 

The flyers and infographics Jennifer freely provides are wide-ranging in topic and design, and useful to any Teacher-Librarian. The stories Jennifer shares are, likewise, wide-ranging in topics. Some make you laugh, some cringe, and some inspire.]]> 2018-10-16 18:57:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293553851 Website | National Library of New Zealand: Supporting Inquiry Learning sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293561683 I adore this site, and feel it is a resource that would be wonderful to have in Australia. Not only do they have a lending service, and collections especially for schools, but they have thought about how much school libraries are changing to meet the needs of 21st Century Learners, and how libraries are ideally placed to promote Inquiry Learning. 

This site has resources that assist Teacher-Librarians in understanding what Inquiry Learning in the library might look like, what opportunities they can provide to students, and how best to go about setting the space for Inquiry Learning to occur. 

The added element of being able to explore a successful inquiry learning project that has integrated kura kaupapa Māori is highly beneficial too, as it lends itself to ideas of how to incorporate Indigenous Australia elements into Inquiry Learning projects in Australia.]]> 2018-10-16 19:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293561683 EBook | Toward a 21st-Century School Library Media Program [Rosenfeld & Loertscher, Eds., 2007] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566507 There are some wonderful examples of how the school community can collaborate to build a 21st Century School Library (and accompanying media platform) contained in this collated collection of articles. 

With chapters such as 'Assignments worth the effort', 'Literacy Links: School Library Blogging', and 'Graduating Students who not only learned but also learners' , there's bound to be several chapters that are beneficial to all Educators, Teacher-Librarians, School Administrators and anyone who is passionate about the role of the school library. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:19:20 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566507 Article | Digital Storytelling for 21st-Century Skills in Virtual Learning Environments [Niemi, et al., 201 sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566665
This article delves into a three-country study investigating students and digital storytelling. The qualitative and quantitative results show digital storytelling can create virtual learning environments, which aids in the development of 21st Century skills.

It is beneficial to read the students' experiences with digital stories, their deep engagement with their learning process, and the skills they felt they had achieved by meeting the project's outcomes. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:19:36 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566665 Website | 21st Century Library Blog sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566795 I first came across this site through a link to a blog that was posted to Librarian group's Facebook page in response to the rise of MakerSpaces in the library, and the move towards renaming libraries 'digital common rooms' and the like. 

While the blog posts themselves are thought-provoking, the many articles and website links that the site also provides have proven to be beneficial when wanting to become more familiar with how 21st Century Skills are being incorporated into school libraries worldwide. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:19:50 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293566795 Article | School libraries supporting 21st century learning [Education Matters, n.d.] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293567127 This article explores the re-positioning of school libraries to focus on providing the space & opportunities for students to develop 21st Century Skills, suggesting libraries need to be "flexible and dynamic learning centres". 

Further, the article explains the school library is a shared space for the entire school community, a place for knowledge creation, digital literacy instruction, information access, collaboration & networking, and learning. It also, critically, details the importance of having staff who's "combined knowledge, skills and expertise collectively support the integration of 21st century learning into the curriculum", which speaks to the critical aspect of having a qualified teacher librarian in the library.]]> 2018-10-16 19:20:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293567127 Website | P21 Partnership for 21st Century Learning: The 4Cs Research Series sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293567252 The 'Skills for Today Research Series' (2017) contains papers summarising up-to-date knowledge about teaching and assessing The 4Cs. 

There are separate briefs for each (Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Communication) for educators and other stakeholders, and includes ideas on how to bring the 4Cs to life for students. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:20:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293567252 Website | TeachHub: K-12 News, Lessons & Shared Resources by Teachers for Teachers sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568073 With a collection of articles, infographics, lesson plans, resources, tips and tricks, this website is an invaluable source for Teacher-Librarians and Teachers alike. That it is crowd-sourced is a bonus, as there is always something worthwhile that is either ready to go, or something that needs a bit of tweaking to suit your needs. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:22:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568073 Article | Roots of Inquiry Learning: Teaching and Learning in Traditional Aboriginal Pedagogy [Friesen, 2017] sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568193 Although this article refers to Aboriginal pedagogy in terms of the First Nations people of Canada, the principles of learners counselled by elders throughout their learning journey, and their discovering their own roles within their communities and the Universe, there are similarities that can be seen in the traditional methods of passing on knowledge within Australian Indigenous communities. 

The article aligns many of the steps we take as educators using modern Inquiry Learning pedagogy to the Indigenous learning process approach of "preparing, asking, seeking, making, understanding, sharing, and celebrating the merger of their findings with communal wisdom". It's a fascinating read, especially for those educators wanting to incorporate Indigenous Australian teaching and learning pedagogy into their own teaching. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:22:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568193 Website | Kath Murdoch: Education Consultant sharlene_henderson https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568289 An incredibly passionate & wonderfully insightful writer and researcher, this site is both helpful in terms of resources (especially professional development resources) and when needing a hit of inspiration about where to go next with an inquiry learning project. ]]> 2018-10-16 19:22:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sharlene_henderson/21CenturySkillsInquiryJourney/wish/293568289