Monday, September 12, 2016
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Thoughts on Active Learning
Space for Active Learning
The library is the center or hub of the school. We are lucky at Roosevelt to have the space in our library to facilitate active learning for all sorts of classes. Our space is flexible and became more so last year with the addition of book cases on wheels. So while active learning certainly is used in book selection and research, the library can be essential in providing active learning space for all classes.
Classroom Space
This largest space in the library has enough seating for an entire class. A data projector, screen and Apple TV make it a popular spot for presentations. Tables can be moved to allow for all chair seating or floor seating. Students spread out here, working on large collaborative projects; human body lessons where students actually participate in fitness events takes place here with classroom teachers; this is also a good location for small groups to meet and have discussions.
This is also a community space where school wide, district wide and parent group meetings are frequently held.
Improvement Our tables are heavy and a chore to move; easier to manuever would be ideal!
Comfy Reading Area
Reading and reflection! Intended primarily for quiet reading of books, magazines or IPads. This area is also used for small group discussion and student to student read aloud.
Improvement We could expand the space! I have started smaller comfy areas througout the library that should continue to grow.
Desk Top Computer Area
While Roosevelt students each have an IPad and access to a Mac Lab, sometimes a lone desk top computer is better suited for the task. The library has five desk tops for student use and research.
Plus, the Alexandria Library Catalog does not load well on the IPads when multiple students are using it. It is important for users to have access to the LLC Catalog quickly! Also the spot to print and charge your device.
Small Group Collaborative Space
Nice, off the beaten path space for small groups (2-6) to work independently. Near our soon to be acquired green screen.
Small Classes
Of course space is scarce. I have carved out a corner of the LLC for teachers to work with small groups in the LLC. This has been done without walls! Allows for greater flexiblity as our needs change yearly.
Quiet Space
Yeah, that is frequently missing. And despite our thoughts on active learning, sometimes active learning needs some peace and quiet. I juggle our students and teachers needs as I can and usually we can carve out a quiet space!
Roosevelt is not the only school library flexing its space to make room for active learning. Here is an article that discusses much of the same ideas.
The library is the center or hub of the school. We are lucky at Roosevelt to have the space in our library to facilitate active learning for all sorts of classes. Our space is flexible and became more so last year with the addition of book cases on wheels. So while active learning certainly is used in book selection and research, the library can be essential in providing active learning space for all classes.
Classroom Space
This largest space in the library has enough seating for an entire class. A data projector, screen and Apple TV make it a popular spot for presentations. Tables can be moved to allow for all chair seating or floor seating. Students spread out here, working on large collaborative projects; human body lessons where students actually participate in fitness events takes place here with classroom teachers; this is also a good location for small groups to meet and have discussions.
This is also a community space where school wide, district wide and parent group meetings are frequently held.
Improvement Our tables are heavy and a chore to move; easier to manuever would be ideal!
 |
| Classroom teaching space in LLC. |
 |
| Furniture moves to create space for a larger audience. |
Comfy Reading Area
Reading and reflection! Intended primarily for quiet reading of books, magazines or IPads. This area is also used for small group discussion and student to student read aloud.
Improvement We could expand the space! I have started smaller comfy areas througout the library that should continue to grow.
 |
| Comfy, quiet reading area. |
While Roosevelt students each have an IPad and access to a Mac Lab, sometimes a lone desk top computer is better suited for the task. The library has five desk tops for student use and research.
Plus, the Alexandria Library Catalog does not load well on the IPads when multiple students are using it. It is important for users to have access to the LLC Catalog quickly! Also the spot to print and charge your device.
 |
| All students have IPads, but sometimes they still need the desk top computers. |
Small Group Collaborative Space
Nice, off the beaten path space for small groups (2-6) to work independently. Near our soon to be acquired green screen.
 |
| Small group collaborative space. |
Of course space is scarce. I have carved out a corner of the LLC for teachers to work with small groups in the LLC. This has been done without walls! Allows for greater flexiblity as our needs change yearly.
 |
| Small teaching space, 1 to 8 students. |
Yeah, that is frequently missing. And despite our thoughts on active learning, sometimes active learning needs some peace and quiet. I juggle our students and teachers needs as I can and usually we can carve out a quiet space!
 |
| Quiet space is a different space each day! |
Roosevelt is not the only school library flexing its space to make room for active learning. Here is an article that discusses much of the same ideas.
 |
| Flexible space allows lap tops to be temporarily used as search stations. IPad tend to be slow when searching our catalog. |
 |
| Another example of flexible use of the space, especially if you have help moving furniture! |
Sunday, September 4, 2016
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