As highlighted by O’Connell et al. (2021), when it comes to evidence gathering for professional accreditation maintenance, it can be ‘tricky’ at times for the teacher librarian as they do not have a set ‘subject’ to teach. However, as discussed in a previous post, exemplars of practice have been developed by the Australian Library and Information Association (2014) in order to make it easier for teacher librarians to determine which evidence to collect as part of their professional documentation.
In particular, in focusing on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL, 2011) Teaching Standards 5: Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning, it can be seen that guided inquiry is able to assist in gleaning this proof of authentic assessment data, that is required. In particular, the School Library Impact Measure (SLIM) Toolkit has been developed “as a data collection tool, as well as a contemplative and feedback mechanism for students” (O’Connell et al., 2021, module 4.2). It includes questions that are asked throughout the guided inquiry process that can be analysed about student’s knowledge, interest in the process and well as challenges along the way (Todd et al., 2005).
References
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2011). Australian professional standards for teachers. https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/national-policy-framework/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers.pdf
Australian Library and Information Association. (2014). AITSL standards for teacher librarian practice. https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/AITSL%20Standards%20for%20teacher%20librarian%20practice%202014.pdf
O’Connell, J., Derouet, L. & Korodaj, L. (2021). 4. The teacher librarian and the curriculum [Learning module]. ETL401: Introduction to teacher librarianship. Interact 2. https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContentEditable.jsp?content_id=_4449699_1&course_id=_57504_1
Todd, R., Kuhlthau, C. & Heinstrom, J. (2005). School library impact measure: A toolkit and handbook for tracking and assessing student learning outcomes of guided inquiry through the school library. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278674274_School_Library_Impact_Measure_SLIM_A_Toolkit_and_Handbook_For_Tracking_and_Assessing_Student_Learning_Outcomes_Of_Guided_Inquiry_Through_The_School_Library