Impact of a Makerspace

TrishaTrisha Buckley who is a good friend, TL, book reviewer and colleague of #bestteachingpartnerever, Megan Daley, approached us about conducting a case study for her Masters Degree. Her focus was how our library program incorporating, literature, digital technologies and a makerspace impacted on the teaching and learning in a K-6 school. We of course agreed, but immediately pointed out how the time of year could be an issues.

After discussing with Trisha our philosophy and structure of our library program she constructed some surveys to be sent to students, parents and staff. These can all be found in the complete Junior Library Case Study.

Although the number of responses was low from all stakeholders the general feel was  positive with a benefit to our students’ learning and enjoyment of the activities provided within our Library Program. Reading came out very strongly, which is our core busy, but the development of the Makerspace in supporting the future of libraries in the education of our students was also strong.

survey1

Below are some encouraging comments:

Parents

“I know that it is a very successful program that offers lots of magnificent opportunities to young girls”

“The program is exceptional, providing students with endless opportunities and focusing on a love of everything to do with books”.

“It’s about a lot more than books- libraries have transformed since I was a school student- the librarians at St Aidans are at the pointy end of innovation-the physical library space at the Jr school is very inviting- when we toured the school prior to enrolling the library space as a reflection of learning sold the deal”.

Students

“Many of these skills we already knew, but we improved them. Some where new, and all of them really helped with assessment and learning”.

“I love them because of the variety and fun activities that we do in lessons. For example, the Rio Olympics wall of competitions”.

“I just love to read in a corner in my own time because it calms me as well as helping my education”.

Many more responses can be found in the full document  Junior Library Case Study.

Overall Megan, our Principal and I are pleased with the study results and will be taking on board some of the recommendations…..especially to KEEP GOING!!

Thank you Trisha for compiling!

 

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Jackie Child
Jackie Child has been teaching primary aged students for 40 years in a number of countries. She is passionate about how children learn through constructivist pedagogy. She is a Teacher Librarian at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School and a sessional tutor at Griffith University for pre-service teachers. Jackie doesn’t believe in standing still, there is always plenty to ‘do’ and learn!

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