Teach Me to Fish

I have finished reading Chapter 1 and 2 from How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School (available here) along with the ALA Core Competences. I decided to sit on the reading for a day or two now. As I stewed over them, not only did I find both chapters of the book incredibly interesting, but also a delightful feeling that I was halfway to being Competent in ALA's eyes. But more importantly, or what I believe to be more important, is one of the main themes that kept popping up in both readings. It's that age old saying we have all heard more times than we admit to liking:

"Give a man a fish; and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime."

Both readings really encompassed this idea of being a lifelong learner and the importance this type of learning plays in all of our lives in very different situations. The book also discusses learning in general, what techniques work for what situations to help promote this type of learning. I enjoyed their comparison of there is no correct teaching technique rather it is like choosing tools from a toolbox for a certain job. You choose what is appropriate.  And behind all of these teaching techniques, it's not about (or I don't think it should be about) giving answers (giving the fish, so to speak). Because you'll have satisified that task, but in the long run, the person won't benefit as much as they could. That is why there should be a focus on the process, on metacognition, on how to be a lifelong learner (teach them to fish!).

The relationship between these ideas and the mission of libraries (especially Academic, School, and Public) seem so clearly connected. As professionals we promote each other and encourage each other to continually learn what is going on in our profession. This idea is even one of ALA's core competences. Lifelong learning is huge for us as professionals. I think this emphasis is two fold.

One reason is we are in a constantly dynamic profession - things are always changing! We need to be flexible. If we are flexible we can deal with all new challenges and changes. We need to be those "Accomplished Novices", where we know a lot about our field, but realize we don't know everything. With this realization we are able to recognize when we need to learn more information to better assess or act in different situations. We also know how important it is to keep up with what is going on in our profession, and to network and learn how other librarians and information professionals are doing things. So basically, the career we are headed into is one of lifelong learning. But I think most of us are here because we are bananas about learning new things (at least I am!).

The second reason these concepts connect so well to libraries in my mind, is the relationship of libraries and patrons. Librarians through libraries help promote patrons to be these lifelong learners. Patrons come to the library sometimes with a research question, or curiosity or just for entertainment. Which are all modes of learning. I think the library is a really special place in that it is so neutral. That if people are curious about a certain topic, or are into learning more about, let's say, uni-cycling, no one is there to judge them. They are free to learn new things. I think this is part of our duties to patrons. We need to keep ensuring a space where they can freely learn and have access to materials, and instruction. I see this in mission statements of libraries, along with mission statements of librarians. We are part of the community, and we are there to promote a healthy community of citizens.

Where this gets even more interesting to me is, how do we use these ideas of instruction on how to be lifelong learners in our everyday profession with our co-workers and our patrons? How do we help and also encourage people to learn how to fish? I find this creates so much space for creative and innovative ideas that really make the field so exciting! It is one reason why I am so interested in the idea of Makerspaces in public libraries. It is something I am going to be pondering and brainstorming about.

In the meantime, I think I'll go catch a fish.

K