Library workshops help prepare Werklund's future teachers for success

A new collaboration on campus is giving students an edge in the Werklund School of Education through a series of workshops in the Doucette Library of Teaching Resources.

Library staff partnered with the Education Students’ Association (ESA) to present workshops that complement training in the classroom and help future teachers gain the skills they need for successful careers.

The ESA kick-started discussions with library staff last May, believing that students would benefit from opportunities to draw upon the collections, staff expertise, study and instructional space in the library.

Library staff and external experts offer professional development

“Through these workshops, education students gain valuable knowledge they will use in their future practice,” explains Danielle Taylor, vice president of professional development with the ESA.

“Professional development is so important to pre-service teachers, not only to showcase their diversity as leaders, but also to refine skills that are essential to being a well-rounded and astute educator," she says.

The workshops are in high demand, drawing up to 60 students per session. Some sessions are offered by library staff who deliver sessions on a range of topics including children’s literature, innovative methods of engaging children in various curricular units and exploring the latest digital apps used in the classroom. Other sessions are presented by outside experts.

Students more aware of library workspace and expertise

“These workshops have increased students’ awareness of the workspace and expertise that are available within the library,” says Paula Hollohan, instructional technologies and information specialist in the Doucette Library. “Emails whirl back and forth at breakneck speed when a space or piece of equipment is needed and the outcome is always beneficial to Werklund students. This collaboration has been a highlight of the school year so far.”

The library has hosted 31 ESA workshops so far this fall. Three more workshops are under development and will be part of a series offered in the winter semester.

The Doucette Library is one of eight University of Calgary libraries operated by Libraries and Cultural Resources, which also oversees two art galleries — the Nickle Galleries and the Founders’ Gallery at The Military Museums — as well as Archives and Special Collections, the University of Calgary Copyright Office and Research Data Centre.