Coppell High School
From Library to Learning Commons
Transformation of the Library Media Center into a Learning Commons
What is a Learning Commons?
"The learning commons, sometimes called an 'information commons,' has evolved from a combination library and computer lab into a full-service learning, research, and project space." -Educause
A learning commons is a "place of teaching and learning, group work, collaboration, creativity, change, inquiry, communication, and community." -ASLC
The learning commons model places a greater view on students, accessibility, cultivating community, project-based learning, flexibility, knowledge seeking, and exploration.
Key Action Steps
- Complete the re-visioning of the library space
- Create a makerspace
- Expand student input
- Improve overall ambiance with addition of quiet work space/reading area/study environment
- Increase use of the library classroom with improved wireless
To enable Action Steps
- Solicit input from student body on Makerspace activities/materials
- Locate funding for Makerspace
- Locate funding for furniture for new Quiet Reading Room
- Minimize virtual/blended students' noise/off-task behavior
- Improve wireless in Library Classroom
- Purchase from BKM - new circulation desk, collaborative furniture for landing
Increase Student Accessibility and Flexibility of Space
Relocate portions of shelving
- Increases visibility within the space
- Increases classroom management potential
- Allows students to work in a variety of group settings
- Allows for variations of Learning Commons use
- Creates space for programming and school-wide events
Genrefication of collection
- Re-organize library collection by genre
- Benefits: accessibility; it's intuitive; supports ELA standards
- Empowers students to find books more easily
- Much like reading large portions of text, or digesting new knowledge, it is easier to consume information when it is presented in "small, organized chunks"
- We can instantly identify holes/gaps in our collection
- Data shows that it greatly increases circulation
- CMS students will become genre experts
- Empowers student volunteers to better navigate re-shelving
Increase use of e-books in the library collection
- Train PLC Teams on usage of eBooks, MackinVia
Create and install "laptop bar station"
- Utilized for independent study
- Install at window level by windows on the west side of the landing
Create a Makerspace
What is a makerspace?
- "A place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests, learn to use tools and materials, and develop creative projects." -The Unquiet Librarian
- "Makerspaces are collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills." -MakerBridge
- "Makerspaces, STEAM labs and fab labs are popping up in schools across the country. Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering." -Edutopia
Steps to create a makerspace
- Collaboratively plan with CHS students, staff, and parents to develop cohesive, streamlined makerspace plan and schema to support CHS student learning
- Transform "cloffice" into a student-focused makerspace
- Supply makerspace with innovative and everyday tools
- Purchase 3D printer
3D Printer
Photo via John Biehler
Establish Learning Commons Advisory Board
- Recruit students and conduct monthly meetings to inform programming ideas and continued updates to the Learning Commons
- Literary movie nights
- Poetry Slam
- Maker Fair
- Gaming Night
- Student/Parent Book Group
- Social Media 101
Expand current collaboration with community
- Burnham Memorial Library
- Establish summer book check-out options
- Young Writers Project
- Tarrant Institute