Helping Learners build Innovative Solutions in the LLC
by Kristofor Schuermann
In this paper, Kristofor Schuermann addresses the sub-theme of Culture of Growth (How might we design learning experiences that offer students real-world relevance) outlining the implementation of modern learning models in school library learning commons (LLC) to help students become innovative problem solvers and changemakers. Exploring three key educational approaches—Inquiry, Engineering Design Process, and Design Thinking— Schuermann emphasizes the effectiveness in promoting student agency, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, using specific examples in action, to showcase the positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.
Kristofor, your paper's question, "How might we help modern
ReplyDeletelearners build innovative solutions in the LLC?", is deceptively simple, yet profoundly complex. I feel like pulling threads to connect papers to each other. You'd like Jen Aston's work on SDGs, which you mention in your paper. I admire how there is no one "right" method, but that blends and hybrids and versions of approaches (inquiry, engineering design process, and design thinking) all have their place in SLLCs. The photos and charts are a testimony to the wonderful collaborations you've been a part of over the years. (I love how you made the pinball build multi-disciplinary with the inclusion of elements of a favourite graphic novel!) All of these practical examples demonstrate that it's all doable. It's NOT just for "gifted students"; it's NOT just for older students. With the proper preparation, all students can help devise innovative solutions to authentic problems. My questions: since this paper was written, what other innovative projects have you been involved with? As someone centrally assigned, is there something you miss or wish you could see/do/experience if you were there consistently with the same school body of students? Many of the other papers here deal with advocacy - are these projects, and the showcasing of them to different stakeholders, a version of advocacy to show that SLLCs need to be maintained? If so, how can this connection be made even clearer?
Diana Maliszewski