"What Works": Research You Can Use

Volume 30, Number 2, December 2002

Effective Support for Student Learning

Research Finding:

Student learning can be enhanced through improved intervention techniques by teachers and teacher-librarians.

Comment

Students are able to locate information with relative ease but have difficulty in using the material, suggesting the need for a shift in emphasis for librarians to focusing on appropriate intervention techniques after the student has located the initial information.

Student learning is enhanced by, among other factors, the enthusiasm of the teacher, interest and positive appreciation shown by the teacher and librarian in his or her work, careful integration of absent students on their return, understanding of task requirements, understanding of the library and its resources from prior experiences, rotation on computers, opportunities to apply new skills and knowledge in different practical contexts, and opportunities to use initiative.

Student learning is limited by lack of confidence to seek help (and being unaware of the need to seek help), frustration caused by limited computer access, time problems (too much or too little), the size and organization of the library (e.g., distractions from other classes), lack of understanding of the subject by students and lack of understanding of the information process (skills and strategies) by both teachers and students, lack of focus, and lack of reference to instructions and checklists.

Note: Scottish school librarians, with whom this study was conducted, do not hold teaching qualifications, hence the use of the term “librarian” here.

Source

Williams, D. & Wavell, C. (2001). The impact of the school library resource centre on learning. UK Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries. Library and Information Commission Research Report 112. Aberdeen, Scotland: The Robert Gordon University.