Curiosity may have killed the cat, (and in this photo, perhaps the bird, too) but it sure makes library learning better!  Unfortunately, too many school libraries still report seeing low-engagement, low-cognition projects that don’t challenge our kids.  

As much as we school library media specialists believe in inquiry, the reality is that sometimes, making the leap from low-level to high-engagement research projects is a bit more than a teacher can take on, for various reasons.  So how can school library media specialists implement the AASL Standards?

Perhaps it’s a case of the tortoise and the hare (sorry for all the animal metaphors).  Instead of leaping forward like the hare, a more pragmatic solution might be a gentle nudge in the direction of inquiry … and then another nudge …. and then another nudge, until the project evolves. 

That’s the theory behind a new page that will run in School Library Media Activities Monthly throughout the 2009-2010 season.  We’re calling it “Nudging Toward Inquiry,” and it’s our way of thinking practically about those small steps that can lead to a big change in student engagement. 

We’re seeking submissions for the first three articles now.  Click on the links below to read the scenario and share your ideas!

• Re-envisioning the Biography Report - closes Wednesday, June 17
• Re-envisioning the Country Report - closes Thursday, July 2
• Re-envisioning the Animal Report - closes Thursday, July 2

And if you have an idea for a “classic” but shopworn lesson plan that needs a tweak, leave a comment here or email me at slmamblog [at] gmail [dot] com!

Image from the calling and visiting cards collection of the George Eastman House, posted to Flickr Commons

This entry was posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 10:37 pm and is filed under Inquiry, Teaching, Writing, Collaboration, Learning Standards. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.