Avsnitt
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Engaging and Empowering School Libraries, a general school library podcast, and FOSIL, Education and School Libraries, a podcast that focuses on teaching through inquiry, came together this month. This session brought my two co-hosts together to discuss how school librarians can move on from teaching single research lessons to inquiry lessons, even if that is all they are being asked to do.
This show includes pictures of the FOSIL cycle and FOSIL skillset both of which can be found and downloaded from here... https://fosil.org.uk/fosil-cycle/
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership - https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
If you wish to watch the Youtube recording of this discussion you can find it here
No AI was used to create this podcast, as you will spot by the human mistakes we make... enjoy!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
This episode explores the librarian’s evolving role in education, sharing practical strategies for fostering collaboration between teachers and librarians to create meaningful, student-centered inquiry experiences. We discuss recent publications, success stories from classrooms, and offer a preview of the upcoming FOSIL book, aiming to redefine how libraries contribute to holistic, impactful education.
As always we would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.
Links:
* Re/Dis-Covering the Promise of Freedom Through Inquiry: Part 1, by Darryl Toerien and Lee FitzGerald for ACCESS (Volume 38, Issue 3, September 2024), the journal of the Australian School Library Association (ASLA). Aimed at principals, SLT and classroom-based teachers.
* First SLA Blog post in FOSIL Group Forum: Between the Library and the Classroom: Becoming Integral to the Educational Process 2.1
* “As We Begin, So Shall We Go”: FOSIL as Means to a “Transcendent and Honourable End”, by Darryl Toerien for Synergy (Volume 22, Number 1, June 2024), the journal of the School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV).
Maritain quote: "Nothing is more important than the events which occur within that invisible universe which is the mind of [a person]. And the light of that universe is knowledge. If we are concerned with the future of civilization we must be concerned primarily with a genuine understanding of what knowledge is, its value, its degrees, and how it can foster the inner unity of the human being" (The Range of Reason, 1952, p. 3).
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries is a membership that aims to support school librarians in teaching through inquiry.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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The work on FOSIL continues with Darryl practising what he preaches. Is this something we can all take and use or is it just great for him because he has been steeped in it for so long? Listen to his inspiring journey and be encouraged by his confidence that all school librarians can do this too.
FOSIL Group Website - https://fosil.org.uk/
Re/Dis-covering the promise of freedom through inquiry - https://fosil.org.uk/newsroom/article-asla-access-7/
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership - https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
FOSIL, Education and School Libraries is a podcast that aims to encourage and support you to think of school libraries in a different way. We hope to develop your understanding of the value of school libraries, help you engage with the content on the FOSIL Group Website, introduce you to people who are using FOSIL and most of all just have a conversation about the role of school librarians within education.
If you are looking for my Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Podcast you can find that here https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast
Today Darryl and I look forward to what our new year of podcasting will bring, including:-
Updates on Blanchelande projects
Working with UK SLA
Published Articles
Books… to be written
Conferences - including an announcement of a FOSIL gathering - February 2025
Strategic Partners
Blanchelande Yr 1 tourist brochure https://gsy.bailiwickexpress.com/gsy/news/written-children-children/
BBC Report https://www.facebook.com/share/r/8EvX1rx5PVyre5SK/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In this episode, hosts Darryl and Elizabeth celebrate their first year of podcasting about FOSIL, Education and School Libraries.
After concluding a two-part history of school libraries last month, we decided to dedicate this session to answering listener questions. We began by addressing concerns about the IFLA School Library Guidelines and their relevance today, discussing the importance of adapting these guidelines to local and national contexts.
We also look into how school librarians can balance inquiry-based learning with other responsibilities, emphasising the need to integrate core instructional activities into an inquiry-centered framework. The conversation then shifted to the role of school librarians in supporting their school's strategic development plans and how to align library missions with broader educational goals.
Questions about the impact of artificial intelligence on academic integrity and the future challenges and opportunities it presents for school librarians are discussed and we finally, explore the historical development of school librarianship in America, Australia, and the UK, and speculate on the potential changes a new UK government might bring to the sector.
Doctorow: Even if you think AI search could be good, it won't be good (15 May 2024).
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In the second part of our history of school libraries, we talk more about the evolution of school libraries from 1986 to the present day. We continue to focus on Norman Beswick's history of school libraries as an influential piece of research from the same period, which looked at the dramatic trajectory of librarianship, budget struggles, and changing roles with the advent of computers in education.
We explore two crucial hopeful signals during that time - the rise of information skills and the increasing collaboration between teachers and librarians. The discussion also touches upon the concept of information literacy and how it differs from the inquiry model. Additionally, we critically examine Anne Irving's nine-question steps model from 1985 that set a new tone for the synergy between teachers and librarians.
Our conversation highlights the role of school librarians in teaching information literacy skills, the difficult struggle for curriculum time, and the undeniable link between information literacy and education. We touch upon the internet’s impact, the devaluation of school libraries and the challenge of teaching information literacy amidst these changes. We discuss how a focus on information availability may have hindered a smooth transition during the introduction of computers to schools.
The episode creates an understanding of the evolution of school libraries, touches on the impacts of AI, and the need for diverse, multicultural teaching methods. It emphasises librarians' role in diversifying teaching methods and portrays libraries, beyond academic learning centres, as hubs for personal development, independent learning, and more. We conclude by reemphasising the importance for school libraries and librarians to align their educational philosophy with the current concerns and aspirations in the educational sector.
Portraits of an Engaged and Empowered Inquirer https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/portraits-of-an-engaged-and-empowered-inquirer/
Membership Information https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In this episode, we delve into the rich history of school libraries and their crucial role in education and discuss various significant developments in school libraries over the years.
We take a time-travelling journey, beginning at the inception of the School Library Association in 1937 to the progressive education era, illuminating the relentless evolution of school libraries. From the past, we make connections to the present and future, underlining the transformative journey of school librarianship in relation to education and philosophy. The underlying tone of our discussion revolves around employing academic honesty and fostering intellectual curiosity among students.
The latter section considers the historical schism in the School Library Association and the changes in the focus of school libraries over time. We discuss the traditional and progressive approaches to education and their influence on library usage habits. The evolution from school libraries being mere conduits for recreational reading to valuable resources for independent learning is explored.
Experience the journey of educational reform, from traditional to progressive, and witness the increasing prominence given to school libraries. Learn about the UK's unique path in teacher librarianship and the potential promise of introducing microcomputers into school libraries during the 1980s. Embrace the past, understand the present, and envisage the future as we delve into the world of school libraries and their profound implications for education.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In this episode, we discuss the evolving role of school libraries within the broader educational system. Addressing pressing issues such as the undervaluation of librarians and the alignment of library programs with institutional educational goals, this conversation underscores the library's essential contribution to student development.
With a focus on the IFLA School Library Guidelines, we also navigated the challenges of aligning libraries with the quantifiable outcomes often prioritised by schools. By examining strategies for librarians to articulate and advocate for their role in supporting holistic education, this episode presents a compelling call to action for educational leaders and librarians alike. Listen in as we explore the critical intersection of education, purpose, and the pivotal role of school libraries in shaping informed, curious, and well-rounded individuals.
Membership information https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In our last podcast, Darryl and I talked about Douglas Knight’s two major and unique functions of a library and ended up having a great discussion about the purpose and function of our non-fiction collections.
In this episode, we chat about:-
* The similarities with the SLA guidelines, including their bookstock guidance. Stott (1947, 1955), School Libraries: A Short Manual (CUP for SLA) and SLA (1972) | Libraries in Secondary Schools
* Understand the role of the school librarian via the IFLA School Library Guidelines
* Staffing in school libraries
* Collection development and in particular non-fiction.
Making School Libraries Integral to the Educational Process https://www.sla.org.uk/Services/ItemDetail?iProductCode=8340&Category=GUIDELINES
Membership information -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
Last month's podcast https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/adf7b60a/fosil-education-and-school-libraries-7
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In this episode, Darryl and I continue our conversation about Douglas Knight’s ideas about a library's two major and unique functions, regardless of type. These two functions are:-
* First, it makes possible meetings of mind and ideas not limited by our normal boundaries of time, space, and social or economic level.
* To say this is to suggest the second great function of a library. It is the institution in our society that allows and encourages the development and extension of ideas -- not their passive absorption, but their active generation. … The technical means of his encounter may be a record, a tape, a film, a print-out or -- most radical of all -- a book. Libraries are not bounded by means; they will and should employ any means to achieve their ends.
Clarification on non-fiction to fiction ratio: NF to F ratio should rise from 50% NF to 50% F through 66% NF to 33% F to 75% NF to 25% F as children move from Primary through Secondary (Darryl)
The link to Douglas Knight's document can be found here https://bit.ly/3ShxMSK
Podcast - Non-fiction collections in school libraries: Do we still need them?https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/podcast/episode/9d8adc04/non-fiction-collections-in-school-libraries-do-we-still-need-them
FOSIL forum link -https://fosil.org.uk/forums/
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
This month Darryl and I are heading back to something we mentioned briefly at the end of last month's conversation which was about reading and making sense of something….
I know that many people associate school libraries with reading… However, the latest Reading Framework produced by the Government in the UK in July does not mention libraries as much as it should have and librarians even less…From a librarian's perspective that is sad but not surprising, so today we help listeners understand the value of the school librarian in reading, especially reading for learning.
We expand on how reading fits within the FOSIL framework, across the whole cycle.
More information about this topic can be read here...https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/year-9-grade-8-interdisciplinary-signature-work-inquiry-blanchelande-college/
In this post - https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/year-9-grade-8-interdisciplinary-signature-work-inquiry-blanchelande-college/#post-80555
Membership information can be found here https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
This month Darryl and I discuss the importance of Blanchelande's Year 9 Signature Work and its impact on student learning. The conversation highlighted the challenges of measuring academic attainment through signature work and explored the difference between student engagement and academic attainment.
Key Takeaways from this podcast
• The impact of the year nine signature work on student learning and engagement, highlighting the challenges of measuring academic attainment through this approach.
• The discussion explored the change in students' attitudes towards learning as a result of their engagement with signature work.
• Future directions and implementation strategies for the year nine signature work.
• The conversation emphasised the importance of an early introduction to inquiry-based learning and its potential impact on the quality of work and attitude towards inquiry in the future.
• We covered the role of habit in the learning process, drawing parallels between the development of information literacy skills and inquiry skills.
• The conversation also highlighted the starting point of inquiry as an attitude of wonder and puzzlement, emphasising the importance of cultivating a desire to learn.
Note: We did not explain fully why it is called 'signature' work. The short and simple explanation is that students are asked to produce something they would be happy to sign or put their signature to... Understanding that this is their work and should be proud to sign it. Darryl's explanation can be found here https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/year-9-grade-8-interdisciplinary-signature-work-inquiry-blanchelande-college/#post-81808
Other resources:
LibGuide NewsLetter: https://blanchelande.libguides.com/LibraryGuide/News/The-Future-Needs-You-Living-Well-in-a-World-Worth-Living-in
see Year 9 Individual Project and Year 9 FOSIL Inquiry Skills Project
Don't forget to subscribe to all of the forum post in order to be notified if there are any new posts or replies https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/subscribing-to-the-forums/
My membership information - https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
In this podcast we delve deeper into Darryl’s chapter for the IFLA digital literacy book.
The highlights of this podcast focus on:
* The importance of school librarians gaining clarity about what they do and why.
* The importance of school librarians understanding what education is and their role in it.
"Our goal is not to get our children to the end of school but to equip them for what happens beyond school"
Links
Making school libraries integral to the education process https://www.sla.org.uk/product/making-school-libraries-integral-to-the-educational-process
IFLA 2023 WLIC, Digital Literacy: Necessary but not sufficient https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/ifla-2023-wlic-digital-literacy-necessary-but-not-sufficient/
IASL 2023 Recovering the educational promise of inquiry https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/iasl-2023-recovering-the-educational-promise-of-inquiry/
Constitute of Knowledge by Jonathan Rauch
ChatGPT et al https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/chatgpt-et-al/
Evolution of portraits https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/a-theory-of-the-role-of-the-library-in-the-students-intellectual-experience/
Membership information https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
Darryl Toerien and I continue our monthly chat, FOSIL, Education and School Libraries.
This month we are chatting about the IASL conference, the need to have leadership for school librarians and why inquiry skills should support students learning how to learn, as well as learning knowledge.
IFLA presentation - Digital Literacy necessary but not sufficient https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/ifla-2023-wlic-digital-literacy-necessary-but-not-sufficient/
Year 6 (Grade 5) Interdisciplinary Signature Work Inquiry https://fosil.org.uk/forums/topic/year-6-interdisciplinary-signature-work-inquiry/
Membership information -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
Darryl Toerien and I continue our monthly chat, FOSIL, Education and School Libraries. This month we are chatting about what you can find on the FOSIL Group website and developments coming up over the summer.
The topics we cover are:-
- FOSIL Group website and why you set it up.
- What can you find on the website?
- Where would you suggest they start?
- Why is the discussion forum so important?
- If someone wanted to join in a forum discussion what do they need to be aware of? ( importance of subscribing to the conversation to see replies).
- Future developments
Books mentioned:-
Principles and Practice: Learning and Libraries in an Information Age (Edited by Barbara Stripling in 1999!)
Carol Kuhlthau’s chapter is called Literacy and Learning for the Information Age. "Inquiry requires information literacy skills. When library media specialists and teachers collaborate to create an inquiry approach to learning, students develop dual competencies in subject content and information literacy" (p. 11)
Empire State Information Fluency Continuum https://slsa-nys.libguides.com/ifc/gradeassessments
FOSIL explained - Youtube
The FOSIL Group Website overview -
Courses available to explain the FOSIL cycle in more detail - https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/payperview?Category=The+FOSIL+Cycle
Membership information - https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com -
Once a month I'm going to talk about FOSIL, Education and School Libraries with Darryl Toerien originator of FOSIL. We hope to help you engage with the content on the FOSIL Group Website, introduce you to people who are using FOSIL in schools and most of all just have a conversation about the role of school librarians within education.
The FOSIL Group Website -
https://fosil.org.uk/
FOSIL explained -
IFLA School Library Guidelines - https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Membership -https://www.elizabethahutchinson.com/aboutmembership
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elizabethhutchinson.substack.com
