Tag: change

Reflections on Leadership

Reflections on Leadership

by clairetuminello89 ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Through the ongoing isolation of the 2020 and 2021 calendar years in Australia, never has it been more startingly obvious that humans are naturally social beings. We humans crave social connection, interaction and relationships. In a blog entry on July 18, I suggested that “leadership is about people…a major role of the leader is to bring people together for a common cause regardless of differences.” Colvin (2000) presents a strong argument about people and leadership, suggesting that a group of people with united values comprises an awesome power to create, articulate and sustain such values for the benefit of others. In an organisation such as a school, leadership roles are appointed to create, articulate and sustain values and a culture which relate to providing the best possible educational outcomes for students in the context of that particular environment. Schools, therefore, are complex organisational structures that involve many levels of leadership, both internally and externally.

On commencement of ETL504, I held the narrow view that each individual leader exhibited a particular and singular leadership style when given opportunities to lead. This is highlighted in my introduction post on the discussion board, when I suggested that I was looking forward to “reflecting on my own leadership style” (Tuminello, 2021, July 15). Throughout the unit, my learning has led me to discover a range of different styles of leadership, as well as traits, and highlighted the importance of being able to integrate a range of these in schools to elicit the best outcomes. No one style is suited to every leadership role or responsibility, and it is the ability to adopt and integrate a range of styles and traits that makes a great leader in a school. Smith (2016) emphasises the requirement for schools to employ an integrated model of leadership to create effective schools that promote a positive school culture and encourage teacher satisfaction and performance.

As a budding teacher librarian (TL), it is important to consider the leadership styles and traits that are most appropriate to promote oneself as a leader in the school. School libraries envisage themselves as knowledge centres that play a key role in the promotion of literacy skills (Hartley, 2020). The definition of literacy has changed with rapid advancement in technology, and in the twenty-first century school libraries find themselves in the unique position to adapt and promote themselves as collaborative and exciting learning hubs that encourage innovation in pedagogy and learning so that the needs of twenty-first century learners are being met.

In a blog post on August 20, I reflected that it is up to the TL to see their responsibility as a leader in a school to “accept the challenges presented by rapid and dynamic technological change…by collaborating effectively via structured professional learning (PL) and collaborative planning and teaching practices.” From my perspective, the roles and responsibilities of the TL as a leader in a school lend themselves best to servant leadership, instructional leadership and distributed leadership styles. A shared dimension evident in all three is the ability to work with others effectively to achieve a common goal. I still believe that strong and effective collaboration with all stakeholders to demonstrate the important leadership role that the TL holds in a school is an optimal way to inspire others, lead from the middle, and promote the school library as a hub for exciting, twenty-first century learning experiences.

 

References

Colvin, G. (2000). Managing in the info era. Fortune, 141(5). http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2000/03/06/275231/index.htm?iid=sr-link1.

Hartley, C. (2020, August 4). Libraries, the heart of the school. Professional Educator, 1, 23. https://scis.edublogs.org/2020/08/04/libraries-the-heart-of-the-school/

Smith, B. (2016). The role of leadership style in creating a great school. SELU Research Review Journal, 1(1), 65-78. https://selu.usask.ca/documents/research-and-publications/srrj/SRRJ-1-1-Smith.pdf

The Challenge of New Opportunities

The Challenge of New Opportunities

by clairetuminello89 ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The Australian Curriculum is providing teachers and teacher librarians with many new challenges, including the need to continually improve personal knowledge and understanding of digital tools and digital environments. Indeed, if we are expected to contribute to an educative experience that prepares our students to function efficiently and effectively in 21st century society, then we ourselves need to accept a level of responsibility to develop our own skills and knowledge in relation to digital tools and digital environments. These tools and environments are likely to feature extensively in workplaces and in society in general for a long time to come.

Putting aside the complexities and politics of a teaching career, being a teacher provides a wonderful challenge for those in the profession to embrace and adapt to constant change. Certainly, it sometimes feels like the change is never ending and it can really induce a lot of stress! But ever the optimist, it is something I secretly love about being a teacher. Danielson (2007) describes teaching as a “flat profession”, whereby as we gain experience, our responsibilities are essentially the same as a new teacher. I don’t necessarily agree with this. Sure, there are similarities in being able to deliver exciting learning opportunities to students regardless of the stage of your career, or being passionate about your subject and content. However, I think that as we gain experience, it’s not a “flatline” but (hopefully) on an upward trajectory in terms of the richness of what we can provide! Our challenges and responsibilities change quite a lot. The responsibilities of a new teacher are to learn how to juggle life as a teacher, how to manage a class of students after being dumped headfirst into your own classroom with limited practical experiences, how to try a few different things just to see if they work and be OK if they fail, and be motivated to improve them to make them better, even if they do come off well. Experienced teachers have different responsibilities – they’re often no longer experiencing the aforementioned challenges, but rather a whole set of new ones.

A huge personal challenge for me is the rate at which technology, and in particular digital tools and environments, are changing. It is really difficult to keep up with all of the fantastic opportunities that the digital world presents, which in turn makes it feel like an enormous challenge! A great example of my ignorance in this field relates to coding. I find it extremely intimidating, I have never done it and I wouldn’t even know where to start. However, I acknowledge and accept that coding is likely a working/learning skill required to function in 21st century society. On completion of this masters, I will hold a leadership role in a school as a teacher librarian. Part of my role is to embrace such challenges, and acknowledge the importance of digital upskilling for the benefit student learning, and ultimately, a rich and useful education. Furthermore, I’ll probably have to inspire others to embrace them too!

Leaders in schools, including but not limited to senior executive members, teacher librarians and teachers, have a responsibility to accept the challenges presented by rapid and dynamic technological change. This includes everyone accepting a personal and professional responsibility to learn about digital tools and environments. I envisage a world where professional learning communities made up of teachers across all experience levels and all domains can commit to improving outcomes in digital skills (in the case of coding, these would include digital literacy, design thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, etc.) for students by collaborating effectively via structured professional learning (PL) and collaborative planning and teaching practices. Collaboration in PL can lead to the kind of accountability, support and engagement required to actually implement the PL into the classroom setting (Cole, 2012). I am also as ambitious to think that in a secondary setting, and potentially even in upper primary settings, students could be contributors of skills/knowledge to professional learning in coding, alongside other experts in the field.

Leadership is about many things, but I think great leadership includes a strong element of foresight and anticipating what will be needed in the future. The state of our country at the moment is a wonderfully depressing example of leadership that has failed to employ foresight or anticipated what might happen next (and if it does, what are we going to do). To state the obvious examples, our response at both state and federal levels to the pandemic, our involvement and response to the events in Afghanistan, our response to the bushfires and to climate change in general…it’s quite frankly embarrassing. Instead, we are stuck being constantly reactive and backpedalling.

Digital tools and environments are certainly not new, and they are still ever-changing, but rather than be on the back foot, it is up to us to see the writing on the wall. The present and the future of education is certainly going to include these tools and environments, so it’s up to all of the leaders in schools to embrace them, and attempt to anticipate their use in the future. Collaboratively, we can be held accountable for each other to focus on providing authentic learning for the future.

 

References

Cole, P. (2012). Linking effective professional learning with effective teaching practice.
https://ptrconsulting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/linking_effective_professional_learning_with_effective_teaching_practice_-_cole.pdf

Danielson, C. (2007). The many faces of leadership. Educational Leadership, 65(1), 14-19. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept07/vol65/num01/The-Many-Faces-of-Leadership.aspx

 

Resourcing the Curriculum of Today and the Future

Resourcing the Curriculum of Today and the Future

by clairetuminello89 ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Historically, change has been a recurring theme of human existence. Categorising these changes has been popular practice in understanding our history – for example the Industrial Age occurring between 1760-1970. Currently, we find ourselves as consumers of and contributors to the Digital Age or the Information Age which began in 1970 when transistor technology was developed. Libraries, including school libraries, have always been concerned with information as they have always housed collections of information in a variety of genres and formats. Thus, the so-called “Information Age” has impacted and continues to result in change for libraries and the collections they house.

Collection development is a central activity occurring in any library. Corrall (2018) suggests that a collection pertains to the entire notion of a library, and that the words ‘library’ and ‘collection’ are essentially synonymous. Where once the professional practice of collection development involved a much less diverse and interactive suite of resources, the Digital Age has seen a proliferation of information that seems to defy the constraints of space and time (Newsum, 2016). In relation to school libraries, SLAV (2018) states that “school libraries reflect and contribute to the achievement of the school’s mission by managing and curating equitable, inclusive and diverse physical and digital collections that reflect both a local and global perspective.” This statement reflects the need for school libraries to continue to develop collections that are driven by the needs of the community that they serve (Tuminello, 2021, March 3). However, following my engagement in this subject, I believe the collection should promote not only the consumption of new information and ideas, but also the creation. I believe that it is paramount for school library professionals to continue to be able to promote and encourage a life-long love of learning and growth for all students, regardless of the complexities that the digital age has contributed to the collection development role, now and into the foreseeable future.

Throughout this subject, I became particularly interested in the notion of selection versus censorship in the context of a digital age. As a future Teacher Librarian (TL), I certainly see myself as an advocate and supporter of intellectual freedom. However, there has to be a place for censorship in schools with access to the internet. Whilst the internet is an abundant resource for information that can resource and supplement the curriculum in a way that has not been done before, I bring into question whether the all of the information it provides is intellectual in nature, and therefore if the use of filtering in schools is compromising “intellectual” freedoms. In a blog post on April 13, I commented that “our communities have constant and uncensored access to the whole world of information. I would question this level of self-selection autonomy in the school context, and argue that internet filtering is necessary on some level in a school context.” However, whilst internet filtering is common practice in schools for this very reason, it is also as problematic. Johnson (2010) highlights some of the issues that occur when using blocking tools to filter what information is accessible to students and provides example of situations where student learning is negatively impacted by poor filtering decisions. Of note, his first suggestion to rectify these issues relate to the school policy that underpins internet filtering decisions.

The complexities of collection development in school libraries continues to evolve and change as the ongoing digital revolution influences publishing models and digital content. In such an age, school libraries should be promoting 21st century learning, and thus should access and acquire collections that provide this. However, to create such a collection requires professional decision-making that must be supported by policy should it aim to be ethical and accountable for the decisions made. A collection development policy (CDP) “aims to ensure equitable access to resources for all in the school community” (ALIA, 2017, p.4). In a blog post on May 14, I stated that “it is important to be able to be transparent, and to make conscious and systematic decisions that can be backed by the CDP so that questioning by stakeholders in relation to censorship, money and other issues can be answered and supported by documentation.” Whilst a CDP does provide a written document that supports the decision-making that pertains to the collection, it further supports the school library professionals by outlining the purpose of the collection and assists in future proofing the importance of the position of the library in the school. Thus, having a thorough and professional CDP that is regularly reviewed alongside the corresponding procedures is essential to justifying and promoting the worth of a school library.

Remaining relevant in a digital and dynamic age is a challenge faced by all libraries, including school libraries. On May 20, I commented that “the future of school libraries is directly related to the future of education, the future of learners and the future of content.” As mentioned earlier, in some ways it can be deduced that the library is the collection and the collection is the library. In order for libraries to justify themselves in a world where free and open access to information is afforded to anyone with an internet connection, they must be able to support their claims. A CDP allows the TL and the staff who collaborate to develop the document to provide a purpose and projection into the future for the collection development practices in a school. Prior to completing all of the modules, I made comment on April 13 that “the TL must have selection policy that is clear, strong and defensible to allow them the courage to make decisions that allow the community intellectual freedom.” I now understand that the policy requires more than just consideration of selection, but also pertains to identification, as well as acquisition, evaluation and deselection issues. If the policy is created collaboratively, and is able to succinctly address these principles, set goals and provide continuity, then the TL alongside the school community allow themselves the ability to be flexible and adapt to future technological changes, and can also demonstrate a clear vision that outlines the ever-changing complex notion of collection development.

References

Australian Library and Information Association School, & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians. (2017). A manual for developing policies and procedures in Australian school library resource centres. https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/ALIA%20Schools%20policies%20and%20procedures%20manual_FINAL.pdf

Corrall, S. (2018). The concept of collection development in the digital world. In M. Fieldhouse & A. Marshall (Eds.), Collection development in the digital Age (pp. 3–24). Facet. https://doi.org/10.290/9781856048972.003

Johnson, D. (2010). Censorship by omission. Library Media Connection, 28(4), 48-49. http://dougjohnson.squarespace.com/dougwri/censorship-by-omission.html  

Newsum, J. M. (2016). School collection development and resource management in digitally rich environments: An Initial Literature Review. School Libraries Worldwide, 22(1), 97–109.

School Library Association of Victoria. (2018). Statement on school libraries. https://slav.org.au/Statement-on-School-Libraries

A Crystal Ball for School Libraries and Collections

A Crystal Ball for School Libraries and Collections

by clairetuminello89 ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I do not have a crystal ball to predict the future. A quote that I love from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, is “life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”. Often, looking back on events and experiences can bring some hindsight, but we cannot change history. We can look forwards and try to create new events and experiences that acknowledge the gains and the losses of the past.

In the context of school libraries, Wade (2005) highlights that the school librarian is no longer a keeper of books that demands a quiet space in the library and occasionally comes into a classroom to talk about their contents. I acknowledge that maintaining a collection that meets the needs of it’s audience and provides resources and evidence for learning is a gain for a school community. However, given what we now know, the idea that learning must occur in utter silence and can only be presented directly from teacher to pupil is a potential loss of the past.

The future of school libraries is directly related to the future of education, the future of learners and the future of content. The challenge for school libraries and school library collections is to remain relevant and future-proof themselves in a world that seems to change faster than the speed of light. Not only is this change swift, it is also dynamic. It was once suggested that students appear as aliens in a library, as students entered the spaces with superior computer literacy skills than the school librarians themselves (Wade, 2005). Perhaps this observation is true, however there has been research to suggest that whilst Generation Y demonstrate confidence in using technology, this does not necessarily translate to intentional, effective and meaningful information-seeking behaviour (Coombes, 2009).

Consequently, I believe the future of school libraries is impossible to predict – and nor do I want to. It is too dependent on the future of other factors. IFLA Trend Report Update reminds us that “the library in itself is an enduring demonstration that expertise and truth exist, matter and are appreciated.” For now, and I may be wrong, but I can only see the relevance of this statement being magnified. In this vain, I hope that school libraries find a way to embed themselves in a school such that they are an irreplaceable piece of the education puzzle.

 

References

Combes, B. (2013). Educating the digital nature of the future. inCite, 34(4), 33-33.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2016). IFLA Trend Report.  http://trends.ifla.org

Wade, C. (2005). The school library: phoenix or dodo bird? Educational Horizons, 8(5), 12-14.

 

 

The Future of Children’s Literature

The Future of Children’s Literature

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Like many complex issues in society, the commentary around children’s literature in the wake of the digital age has evoked polarised views of what combination of format, genre and form will provoke the best outcomes for children. Children’s literature is one form of information, and advancement in technology is directly impacting the information landscape and indeed changing it at an alarming rate (Floridi, 2007). Hateley (2013) reminds us that change is constant and the concept of changes in reading behaviour, in terms of what is being read and how it is being accessed, has actually been a hallmark of children’s literature historically. It is true that the future of literature for children is likely changing – but so it always has. Isn’t it exciting to imagine and consider the ways in which new technologies might promote and engage readers who, in an alternate universe, may never have engaged in literature?

Whilst access to literature in many different forms has become more diverse in recent times, Harvey (2015) highlights that children still gravitate towards print as well as digital formats. The two can and do exist together successfully, and I hope and believe that this is the future for children’s literature. Whilst print literature allows the user to have the tactile experience of a book, of turning a page and physically holding a story in your hands and your mind, the digital experience allows greater interactivity and easier and more efficient access.

Of the many changes in the way in which society communicates and engages in information, Short (2018) highlights the influence of visual culture on children’s books. Visual culture is explained as an interaction with the world whereby imagery, rather than text, are central in how meaning is created (Short, 2018). This change is evidenced in a trend towards graphic novels and wordless books in young adult literature. This is quite challenging for me, as I have always imagined the words relating to “literature” to include written work. However, it is uplifting to think that we can advance beyond our notions of what we have always thought something to be, and challenge these ideas for the benefit of future generations. I think it’s fantastic that creators of literature are able to acknowledge these cultures as they emerge, and to produce beautiful and engaging works for young people. I love the idea that as a teacher, I can learn how to engage with young people in this context, to encourage them to think critically and to allow the creativity of interpretation.

The original prompt to this blog post asked me firstly to consider my vision for the future of children’s literature, and subsequently to discuss who will be the drivers of change. My vision for the future of children’s literature allows engagement of all children in quality literature existing in a diverse range of genres, forms and formats and accessed through both print and digital publishing. I hope that this literature is such that it makes a difference in the lives of children, and allows them to grow and flourish as people both locally and globally. Short (2018) challenges us to see ourselves as consumers, as well as educators, and to challenge the market-driven decisions that have recently resulted in a lack of cultural diversity in children’s book publishing. Whilst it is up to educators to realise themselves as consumers, it is up to society as a whole to push for these types of changers. We are all stakeholders in the outcomes of these trends on some level – so perhaps it is up to us as educators to not only challenge ourselves, but challenge our communities to champion these kinds of changes in the market.

References

Floridi, L. (2007). A look into the future impact of ICT on our lives. The Information Society, 23(1), 59-64. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1080/01972240601059094

Harvey, E. (2015, December 8). Five trends affecting children’s literature. Book Business.

Hateley, E. (2013). Reading: From turning the page to touching the screen. In Wu, Y., Mallan, K. & McGillis, R. (Eds.) (Re)imagining the world: Children’s literature response to the changing times (pp. 1-13). New Frontiers of Educational Research.

Short, K. (2018). What’s trending in children’s literature and why it matters. Language Arts, 95(5), 287-298.