The School Librarian as Educator:

: An investigation of the collaborative teaching practices with educational technologies for the 21st century in Secondary Schools in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

In light of the redefined role of school librarians, this study sought to investigate the level at which collaboration takes effect between the school librarian and teachers, in the delivery of library information literacy instruction, using educational technology in secondary schools in T&T. To achieve this aim, the objectives included a review of international collaboration practices; current practices in T&T; to identify the challenges and barriers affecting collaboration; examination of SLMS technical skills and abilities using 21st century educational technology and to draw conclusions with recommendations for future practice. The main themes discovered from the literature review were the evolving role of school librarians, which covered the historical and 21st century perspective and information literacy instruction; collaboration for teaching and learning which looked at the factors for and levels of collaboration as well as the benefits and challenges of collaboration. The theme emerging under educational technology was the technology skills for educators. A mixed methods approach was used to gain data as online questionnaires were sent to forty purposely selected school librarians, and telephone interviews conducted with three school librarians. Thematic coding was used for analysis. The results showed that low level collaboration practices of cooperation and coordination were in effect, rather than true collaboration. Various multi-faceted challenges were encountered in this effort including time constraints, lack of knowledge of the librarian role, lack of support, technology issues as well as the culture of the school. Despite these challenges, the study shows that school librarians have a genuine desire to work with teachers for the ultimate achievement of student‟s development. Further research is needed for analysis and recommendations for training workshops and education for all stakeholders are suggested to improve future practice and for successful collaboration between school librarians and teachers.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Pauline Rafferty (Supervisor)