Learning Commons By Design
A room with a view, stunning landscape, natural light, and an open invitation to create, explore or even surrender.
When we think about the learning commons in our schools we must think beyond the physical world of walls, shelves, technology and more... We need to think outside the box and encourage our learning communities to reinvent their perception of learning spaces, specialized services and collaborative efforts. If we open our doors learning specialists can work within their means and meet the needs of all learners.
Communication is an important element of design as open dialogue, questions, and frustrations can be better addressed and a greater sense of community will unfold. How do we do this? We open our doors, we use non-tradition methods of communication and we build trust. Learning specialists in our school communities can start small. Invite colleagues and students into meaningful conversations, work with one colleague on a collaborative project, open up new spaces in the school and dedicate them to spaces where students can find peace, build awareness or seek assistance.
Accessible- If we work within our means and reinvent the 'library time- table' our students, parents, colleagues and surroundings community we can make learning accessible for all. The gap between 'have' and 'have not' schools will be lessened if we learn about the many resources we have access to. The digital age of technology opens new doors, in the learning commons we can be learners and facilitators, information from various sources need to be explored.
Flexible- We must think of the needs of every learner and offer a variety of services. Quiet spaces and zones for true collaboration can be achieved with thoughtful planning, fluid mindsets, flexible schedules and professional development opportunities. New strategies and skills must be explored in formal and informal gatherings as professional development will build stronger communities of confident learners.
* If we truly wish to work within our means and maintain a positive mind-set we need to think beyond books and shelves. Invite home, school, local and community into discussions of design knowing that the best designed libraries start with a solid foundation of collaborative efforts and guaranteed opportunities of future growth with scaffolding for the eager and disengaged learners of all ages .
When we think about the learning commons in our schools we must think beyond the physical world of walls, shelves, technology and more... We need to think outside the box and encourage our learning communities to reinvent their perception of learning spaces, specialized services and collaborative efforts. If we open our doors learning specialists can work within their means and meet the needs of all learners.
Communication is an important element of design as open dialogue, questions, and frustrations can be better addressed and a greater sense of community will unfold. How do we do this? We open our doors, we use non-tradition methods of communication and we build trust. Learning specialists in our school communities can start small. Invite colleagues and students into meaningful conversations, work with one colleague on a collaborative project, open up new spaces in the school and dedicate them to spaces where students can find peace, build awareness or seek assistance.
Accessible- If we work within our means and reinvent the 'library time- table' our students, parents, colleagues and surroundings community we can make learning accessible for all. The gap between 'have' and 'have not' schools will be lessened if we learn about the many resources we have access to. The digital age of technology opens new doors, in the learning commons we can be learners and facilitators, information from various sources need to be explored.
Flexible- We must think of the needs of every learner and offer a variety of services. Quiet spaces and zones for true collaboration can be achieved with thoughtful planning, fluid mindsets, flexible schedules and professional development opportunities. New strategies and skills must be explored in formal and informal gatherings as professional development will build stronger communities of confident learners.
* If we truly wish to work within our means and maintain a positive mind-set we need to think beyond books and shelves. Invite home, school, local and community into discussions of design knowing that the best designed libraries start with a solid foundation of collaborative efforts and guaranteed opportunities of future growth with scaffolding for the eager and disengaged learners of all ages .