As my first subject in the Master of Teacher Librarianship draws to a close, it is fitting to reflect on my journey and the ways my reading and study has expanded my understanding of the critical role of information literacy that can be taught through inquiry learning units by a qualified and professional teacher librarian.
In my first blog post, Digital Information and Education ((Dawkins, 2023, July 15), I reflected that teaching students how to evaluate what they read and to discern fact from fiction seemed like an insurmountable task. Similarly, Jones (2023) posed that due to the sheer volume of information available means that it is possible when researching to find an answer, but it may not be the right answer. Due to the volume of misinformation, being able to sift through and find the credible information is a skill that needs to be taught. Initially, the task of delivering engaging, informative, and successful programs in this area seemed to be a daunting task. The world of information is large, and the skills required to not only navigate it, but teach it seemed daunting. However, studying the different inquiry learning cycles has helped me to see a way forward, a vehicle for teaching and learning that can make significant inroads, not only in student engagement, but in learning and applying critical information literacy skills.
I have been impacted by the different models of inquiry learning and how they can be tailored to meet the needs of the students we are teaching. In my post, Teacher Librarians as Researchers,(Dawkins, 2023, August 29) I explored the concept of action research for teacher librarians to be engaged in. This type of work, gathering evidence-based data, can also be used to inform the approaches I would take when designing inquiry units across the curriculum. Harrison (2021) states that evidence-based, data-informed practice is critical for teacher librarians to raise the impact of their programs. I feel that by engaging in research before the formation and delivery of an inquiry unit, I can gather important data from students that might help me to scaffold their learning for the biggest impact, learning that not only occurs as a one-time event in their library lesson, but may be a skill they can use when searching for information and answers in the world beyond the classroom. Steventon (2023) collaborates this as she discussed that a positive aspect of being able to search for information beyond the physical library space means that students who wish to excel can do so by expanding into their ability to research, which means that inquiry learning units can provide differentiation for a wider range of student abilities. In our world fraught with ever changing technology, student independence in asking the right questions and seeking out credible answers is an important skill to have in their tool belt.
Being able to delve into the different aspects of what a Teacher Librarian can offer and achieve with students in the library space has evolved for me over the course of this unit. Not only has it expanded my view that the learning in the library is deeply important, but it has also challenged me in my own professional development. The need to keep up with technology and best practice in research and information will be an important part of my future role as a teacher librarian. I see more than ever the critical role of teacher librarians to lead this type of learning in the school environment, the nuance required to deliver the intricate learning relies on a trained professional. Like the students I will teach, I will also be a learner for many more years to come.
Harrison, N. (2021, June 3) Evidence-based practice. Thoughts from a Teacher Librarian. https://www.noniharrison.com/post/evidence-based-practice
Jones, R. (2023, July 17). The information environment (Online discussion comment). Interact 2. https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_68461_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_140362_1&forum_id=_316470_1&message_id=_4453964_1
Steventon, B. (2023, July 21) The information environment (Online discussion comment). Interact 2. https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/discussionboard/do/message?action=list_messages&course_id=_68461_1&nav=discussion_board_entry&conf_id=_140362_1&forum_id=_316470_1&message_id=_4453964_1