The role of the school library in change and pedagogical innovation

Bastos, Glória; Matias, Isabel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/11263

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Authors

Bastos, Glória

Matias, Isabel

Abstract(s)

In this paper we present the results of a research study, specifically focused on the way school leaders (principals), primary classroom teachers and teacher librarians from two grouping of schools in the south region of Portugal look at the School Library (SL). We have analysed the integration of the school library in teaching and learning activities and the role of the school library in processes of change and pedagogical innovation, namely based on the use of technologies. A survey was applied to 40 primary school teachers. Two principals, two assistant professors of principals, and four teacher librarians from the two grouping of schools were submitted to interviews. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and results show some differences between the two primary schools. In general, the participants in the study agreed that there is a positive effect of the SL on the teaching practices of the teachers. The SL is felt as an alternative learning space to the classroom, in the development of different methodologies and practices. The proposals and changes recommended by the teacher librarian were incorporated into the teaching strategies of teachers in a gradual way, as they realized the added value. The idea of the school library functioning as a nucleus for implementing innovations did not raise doubts. However, in practice, this situation is not always easy to achieve, with several factors influencing this dimension, namely the profile of teachers in each school and teacher librarians’ time availability to work with classroom teachers.