In 2015 we reported on the research the Free State Department of Education engages in to evaluate the impact of Mobile Libraries on schools leaders, teachers and learners. Mobile libraries have been servicing rural schools without libraries since 2007. VVOB supports this impact study as a means to build research capacity with District Teacher Development Centre staff and to inform and improve future practices.
The first cycle
During the first cycle researchers were documenting challenges, strengths and weaknesses of the current mode of delivery. During a workshop on November 5 at UFS they analysed collected data and reflected on areas for improvement.
The second cycle
The second cycle of the research focuses on taking action towards improvement and recording the effects of this action.
One of the means to this end is providing mobile library operators and library assistants with a better knowledge and understanding on literacy, the use of books and how this all fits into the development of the learner. A workshop, facilitated by the team of the School of Education of the University of the Free State was held on 19 January 2016.
Children and books
The workshop started by situating the capacity building in the action research process, including sharing some challenges currently experienced. Dr Willy Nel shared insights on child development and related this to the mobile library. Mr Frans Kruger presented stages in literacy development and explained a variety of reading strategies, with an emphasis on reading for fun (especially the independent reading strategies). After lunch participants engaged in scenarios in which they discussed possible ways of implementing lessons learnt from the morning session into their daily practice. Ms Annemarie du Preez then shared advice on finding information in books and how to take care of books.
Continue the learning
The workshop ended by a reflection by each district team. They made plans to use the lessons learnt into their daily mobile library practice and how to continue learning together.
