"Learning to be a Learner"

Teacher Librarians Striving to Teach Lifelong Skills

Abstract

“Learning to be a learner” is how Tessa, a grades 6-12 teacher librarian, said she would describe the idea of self-regulated learning to her students. Teacher librarians are in a unique position within schools to truly serve as lifelong learning coaches for students, focused on process and skills instead of content. Further, their reach extends across levels in the school, touching every single student through their teaching and the development and maintenance of the library collection. This paper presents findings from a study investigating how US teacher librarians apply metacognitive strategies in their teaching. An unexpected theme emerged from the interviews as participants described lifelong learning skills they strive to impart to students. These skills included cognitive, personal, and interpersonal skills as defined by UNICEF (2003) and exemplified by the theme for the 2013 International Association of School Librarians’ Conference.