AASL Shared Foundations in Action Part 2: Engage (ISCI 794)

 

For our second post in the AASL Shared Foundations in Action Series, we are jumping to the last of the Shared Foundations, Engage. For feedback on this area, I sat down with Mary Margaret Madden, the library media specialist at Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Media Center. Mary Margaret is a recent graduate of then USC MLIS Program and in her third year as a library media specialist. After our interview, some of our discussion also showed how these shared foundations worked together. If the Include Shared Foundation is not in place, then the Engagement Shared Foundation will be more of a challenge.

One way that Mary Margaret promotes engagement is by checking in with students to make sure that they are comfortable with what they are working on and finding out if they need additional help. Allowing students to work in partnerships or groups if they want often helps students feel more comfortable and willing to ask for help as needed. Engagement is difficult when students feel something is too hard. Mary Margaret always models and scaffolds anything that she teaches so that there is a clear understanding and visual example of the expectations. It is true that this does take more time, but it is easier to do it the right way instead of trying to do something with little guidance multiple times. I’m sure that there are some of you like me who likes examples to have a better idea of what is expected (on most things).

One great way to boost engagement is by allowing more student choice. Students like choice on simple things like choosing a partner, the type of an end product for a project or an interest topic that go along with what they are learning. These choices naturally build engagement into the lessons. Monthly incentives, themed activities and more student-led reviews are all areas that would also boost engagement and things that Mary Margaret would like to incorporate more in the library.

Engagement and collaboration can be challenging for librarian media specialists on a fixed schedule especially since the teachers’ planning period is when their students are at the library. Mary Margaret collaborates as she can by following the pacing guide and setting foundational skills as she can. Another way is through technological ideas and support during the technology assistance before and after school one day each week. Teachers are not always willing to use their time outside of contract hours for collaborating, so it can be challenging.

Another challenge to the Engagement Shared Foundation is having a such a full schedule and very little flexibility to fit in the needs of the students.  When schools prefer to have the library as a related arts class rather than offering more flexibility for collaboration across the grade levels, then it can be hard to build engagement through collaboration. Increased engagement would also benefit from bringing in authors, illustrators, and storytellers. However, the limited funds make it a challenge. The librarian media specialists in the district will often work together and share guests with other schools or hold virtual events.  

We all know that engagement can be a challenge for learners of all ages. Students and the entire school community need to remember that the library is more than just a place for books. Building relationships and tapping into their interests help to make activities fun and engaging. This is no easy task and takes time to build relationships, stay up to date on topics and titles, and include a variety of resources, lessons, and activities. The investment is worth it. I would like to close this post with a quote from Mary Margaret Madden on engagement, “Overall, my main focus with engagement is building positive relationships with my students. Once you have them hooked, the lessons pieces fall right into place.”

Here’s hoping all of your lesson pieces fall into place.