SHARED LEARNING

SPACES AND THE ESL

STUDENT

Michael Curcuruto-LIS6120

During my observations at a small community college library I encountered many things for the first time. For example, this was my first time working in a shared learning space AKA a “learning commons”. In addition, this was my first time dealing with English as a Second Language (ESL) students. I found the experience very eye-opening and it made me realize that there are issues that I never considered before when dealing with ESL students. I hope this presentation will provide you some information on learning commons in general as well as give your some insight into how they can potentially benefit ESL patrons/students.

First, let’s define what a learning commons is…

Introduction

A learning commons is a shared space that combines a variety of services. The spaces are designed for learning, researching and promoting social interaction. They are often found in large academic libraries but work in smaller ones as well. They are sometimes referred to as information commons or information centers. The library I observed called their learning commons the “Library and Learning Center”.

What is a Learning

Commons?

Image Source: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/creating-the-academic-commons-thomas-h-p-

gould/1102213477?ean=9780810881082

What do learning commons consist

of?

Some of the benefits of a learning commons model is their

flexibility and adaptability. They can be designed to meet the

unique needs of each institution. They can include services

such as:

• Library and Reference Services

• Writing and Reading Services

• Computer Labs

• Group Study Rooms

• Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction

(S.I)

Sample SI schedule from

the Library and Learning

Center I observed

Some Examples of Learning

Commons

ACU learning commons: Not the site I observed.

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aculibrary/5601188086/in/gallery-shawncalhoun-

72157627826727162/

Learning

commons

are easily

adaptable

for large

and small

spaces

Some more examples

Image Source:

https://blogs.libraries.iub.edu/buspic/2011/10/14/group-room-

reservations/

Image Source:

http://educationaljargonschs.wikispaces.com/file/view/

Commons.jpg/209668932/377x252/Commons.jpg

Image Source:

http://yublog.apps01.yorku.ca/blog/tag/learning-commons-

scott/

Group Study

RoomsWriting and Tutoring

Services

Hi-tech (e-sources) + Low-Tech(print

sources)

Working With ESL Students

For many new librarians, meeting and understanding the needs of

ESL students and patrons can be frustrating. It is important for

librarians to understand some of the challenges that are common to

ESL-students in order to try and develop tools and resources to help

them succeed. Some common problem areas are:

Language Barriers

Cultural Differences

Writing and Reading Comprehension

Plagiarism and Copyright Laws ( many countries have none)

Lack of Library Services and Polices

During my observations, the students that I saw using the library and learning center the most were ESL students. I was informed that most students are from Saudi Arabia and for many of them this is their first experience using a library and its services. The librarian I was shadowing recalled a time when one of the ESL students returned an item that was damaged. He was upset and did not understand why he was being charged a fee. The librarian had to explain that he was not allowed to write in the library books. Library polices and procedures that may seem common knowledge to many students, may not necessarily be the case when dealing with students from other countries. The librarian of course waived the fee as a one time exception and has since made it a point to go over all polices with ESL classes thoroughly.

There’s a fee for THAT?!

Image Source: https://s-media-cache

ak0.pinimg.com/236x/81/aa/6a/81aa6aca1f859549775b2e0835db90f3.jpg

The ability to have direct access to librarians, tutors, and writing

instructors is one of the greatest benefits of a having a learning

commons model, particularly for ESL students. Working together

these services can contribute to the likelihood that an ESL student will

succeed. As a team they can identify problem areas and develop the

necessary tools and resources to solve them.

For example, in the beginning, the library that I visited did not have

many resources for ESL students. After working closely with ESL

students and faculty, the library realized there was a need for ESL

resources and materials. Since then they have begun the process of

creating a collection focused on the needs of the ESL student.

Currently, the most circulated items of the library are Penguin Reader

Books.

How A Learning Commons

Model Can Help

According to PenguinReaders.com (2014) they are:

“a carefully graded collection of Readers that enable English language learners to enjoy

reading whatever their language level. The language, vocabulary, style and content of every

book is carefully graded to make sure it suits the learner's own language ability.”

This was the first time I was exposed to any ESL material so I thought it would be beneficial

to share if you aren’t familiar with them as well. I was impressed with the penguin readers

website as it offered many resources for both instructors and students.

What are Penguin Readers?

Image Sources PenguinReaders.com & Amazon.com

Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1400/1400-h/1400-

h.htm#link2HCH0001

Great Expectations-Original

Source: http://www.penguinreaders.com/members/pr/teachers/sample-

area.html

Great Expectations: Penguin Early Readers Level

6

Additional Resources and

Discussion Questions

Learning Commons:http://www.schoollearningcommons.info/resources

ESL:http://www.penguinreaders.com/

http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/50_essential_resources_for_e

sl_students/

Do you think a learning commons model is a good choice for a community college?

Have you worked in or utilized a learning commons model as a mode for reference service before? What did you like? What didn’t you like?

Have you worked with ESL students and or patrons? What are some of your experiences? Were they negative, positive or both?

What resources can you recommend for ESL students and or reference librarians who work with individuals?

Additional ResourcesPossible Discussion

Questions

THE END

Thank you for watching