The explore domain from the AASL framework is all about promoting creativity, knowledge construction, and innovation in the learning environment (2018). Librarians have the opportunity to create an atmosphere that encourages students to think outside the traditional methods of learning by engaging in a more experiential process.
Gaelyn Jenkins, the middle school librarian for Rudolph Gordon in Simpsonville shared her insights into how the explore domain is implemented in the school environment.
Jenkins uses the AASL think competency of “reading widely and deeply in multiple formats” to support writing and creativity opportunities in library programming (2018). Jenkins has offered Poetry Slam lessons for students to read, write, and share poetic works in a library lesson.
Teaching problem solving to middle school students can be done in the library with tinkering and making spaces. Maker spaces are not just hands-on activities but are a valuable methodology for gaining deeper understanding of the research process. The librarian has a critical role to help students connect the dots and show how interrelated the content areas are. Jenkins values the ability to help construct curriculum lessons to support classroom standards.
The library space in itself is an extension of the explore share domain. Jenkins appreciates the “unique ability to provide extension activities” the library provides. Since teachers are often under time constraints, Jenkins would love to use the library as a space where students can dive deeper into ideas and projects. One example Jenkins gave was an origami lesson offered in math that must be done in a short classroom session, might spark an interest that could be explored with books and papers in the library. Those moments of exploration can help students forge new interests and connections.
The explore foundation is one of many layers of a multifaceted approach to engaging students. Students' needs are diverse and utilizing a variety of methods helps build that broad foundation of knowledge as they gain skills. Libraries that cultivate strong partnerships with teachers can create meaningful learning spaces that encourage personal inquiry and growth across a broad spectrum of content areas. Libraries are are a natural extension of the classroom with experiential lessons.
American Association of School Librarians. (2018). National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Chicago: ALA.
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