Creating Authentic Learning Opportunities: Project-based collaborations, inclusive communities, and you

Too often, those in education outside of libraries don’t recognize how libraries have changed in the last fifty years. Principals and teachers may think of outdated stereotypical words like books and silence. Good school libraries are at the forefront of technological and pedagogical innovation. They strive to be safe spaces, promoting inclusive worldviews, critical thinking skills, and a growth mindset. Thus, librarians are natural allies with diversity, equity and inclusion ideals. By building productive collaborations around real-world issues, school librarians can create a school culture where students, teachers, and administrators all advocate for increased library use.

Core values of the American Association of School Librarians include innovation; equity, diversity, and inclusion; intellectual freedom; and collaboration. Libraries strive to provide vibrant multi-use spaces. According to the Association for Library Service to Children, since they are “recognized as trusted spaces … libraries can play an integral role in helping children develop understanding and respect for other people.” Students must first understand their own culture before realizing their role in a broader cultural landscape. Children who recognize diverse perspectives are more likely to develop nuanced viewpoints and advocate effectively for social justice.

The heart of this session will be centered on project-based learning (PBL) through four exemplary projects. At all grades, PBL is an ideal way to teach critical thinking skills because PBL offers authentic connections to the world outside the classroom. David Robinson’s School Library Diversity Model and Assessment Guide provides a research-backed framework that emphasizes flexibility in how information is presented, the ways learners engage with research, and expectations for student demonstration of knowledge. Librarian-teacher partnerships throughout planning and instruction lead to higher motivation, increased curiosity, and more positive outcomes because they provide more individual attention and reinforce the values of perspective and expertise.

The four PBL projects will cover a range of instructional strategies successfully implemented in elementary, middle, and high school while encompassing the AASL core values. Sarah Davis (Viewpoint School, CA) will discuss how graphic novels are utilized in the lower grades to promote diversity in art and visual representations. Christina Pommer (Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, FL) will share her middle school World Cultures project on empowering students to work locally to become global problem solvers. Nancy Florio (Kent School, CT) will show her team-based project documenting through personal interviews the diverse national and international perspectives to the early months of the COVID epidemic. Finally, Renee Chevallier (Ursuline Academy, TX) will discuss her AP English project on the “Faces of Poverty,” where students investigate complex social issues from different perspectives.

In addition to presenting the projects, our session will feature both large and small group discussion based on different schools needs, curriculum, and goals. This will allow school librarians to talk with others about how to initiate PBL at their own schools and build on programs already in place. We will also include resources on the “own voices” and “we need diverse books” movements for those who want to learn more about the ways collections can directly further DEI efforts. By providing concrete sample projects and including time for attendees to brainstorm, everyone will leave with ideas ready to implement in their own schools.