Yale Learning Commons Website!
Currently in Progress!
The Yale Library is currently undergoing a transformation into a "Learning Commons" model. We are very excited to begin this process as funds become available, and as time is set aside to meet and decide our needs/goals. Part of our transformation includes a change to the physical space, while the other part involves a change to our web presence. Another part of our transformation is ongoing and involves a pedagogical/cultural shift that takes place as we begin to define our students/instructors needs and wants. For more information on what a learning commons is (or can be) please have a look at the video link below.
Honouring First People's
As part of our transition to a Learning Commons that is inclusive of all learners, as well as honoring the BC curriculums new "First People's Principles of Learning", we are getting a House Post (totem pole) carved for our space.
Some details about the carving. The tree used to carve the House Post is estimated to be 550 years old. The origin of the tree is either from around Chehalis or the Queen Charlotte Islands. The section that this piece is being carved out of is near the top of the tree (indicating the size of the tree--said to be about 40 feet long). Cedar is used as a carving medium because it keeps well outside (due to the natural oils in the tree) and it is easy to work with. Old growth red cedar is preferred for carving because it is a harder. New growth cedar is too soft and is less forgiving and doesn’t stand up to the elements as well. The carving was roughed out with a chainsaw and will be finished in our learning commons. Ray Silver and Calvin Lampson are the main carvers. Raphael Silver is the designer. The lizards (at the top of the pole, symbolize the guardian of the family. Lizards are said to be a strong spirit (you can cut off their tails and they grow back). The bulk of the rest of the carving is a crouching bear. The bear symbolizes the teacher figure. As part of the First Nations tradition, students and staff are invited to carve and participate in the process.
Totem Poles:
http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/home/culture/totem-poles.html
http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/home/culture/cedar.html
Sto:lo/Halq’emeylem:
http://www.firstvoices.com/scripts/WebObjects.exe/FirstVoices.woa/wa/enterLanguageArchive?archive=59e460743a22a650
What is a "learning commons"? Video Link
CLICK HERE to Take Accelerated Reader Book Test!
***The Yale Career Centre is now being run out of our Learning Commons! Mr. Radons and Mr. Hunter are located in the north east corner of the learning commons.
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