Poster #18 - Novice Teachers' Use of Donated Classroom Libraries: Promoting Intentional Teaching and Increasing Student Access

• In Event: 47.099 - MTCC Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: 47.099-2 - Applied Research in Schools Poster Session

Abstract

In 2017, university faculty facilitated an exchange of classroom libraries by collecting donated books from those leaving the field, sorting them, and then passing on collections to new teachers, providing both instructional materials to create a literature-rich environment for students and scaffolding for the teachers in setting up and using a diverse classroom library. Subsequently, a qualitative research study was initiated to investigate how the teachers and students used the books, guided by the question, “What is the value for a new teacher in receiving a carefully cultivated classroom library?” As gathered through interviews (n=19) and observations (n=3) and informed by Coburn’s Sense-Making Theory, the data pointed to key themes around intentionality, organization, student interests, access, and balance. Implications follow.

Author

• Kathryn Ann Ohle, Grand Valley State University