Using the Dewey Decimal System in Elementary School Media Centers

Frances Adams and Amy Chastain

Georgia Southern University

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

1.0 Problem Analysis

1.1 What is your system of interest?

We have discovered students and teachers (aka patrons) alike do not know how to use the Dewey

Decimal System to find the materials they need in a Media Center. We are interested in

providing training to help students and teachers learn how to use this system.

1.2 What are your sub-systems?

The prior knowledge that the patrons have

Have they ever been taught about the Dewey Decimal system or the online catalog? Most adults

have heard of the system and online catalog but are not familiar enough with both of them to use

either with fidelity. Most students do not have any knowledge of either.

The tools/resources they have

The patrons have laptops, chromebooks, and ipads that they can use with the online catalog.

The abilities of the patrons

The patrons have the tools to use the online catalog. We need to make sure that they can use the

information from the online catalog and find the materials they need in the Media Center.

1.3. What symptoms drew your attention to this system of interest?

Students and teachers are not able to find what they need. Patrons ask me if I know where

certain books are and are not able to find the materials when I tell them what shelf they are on.
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

2.1 Are there performance gaps involved in this problem that justify a learning
intervention?

Yes, there is a performance gap that would justify a learning intervention. Students need to be

able to use the Dewey Decimal System in order to find materials in the Library/Media Center.

This is especially important when students need to locate materials for projects or topics they

are learning. It is also important for them to be able to find materials that they want to read or

learn about.
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

3.1 Optimals

3.1.1. What information and data would you collect?

Ideally, we would collect data on how many times patrons were able to look up information

using the online catalog and compare that to how many times the patrons checked out materials.

3.1.2. How would you collect that information and data?

We could collect that information on our Destiny program that tracks check outs.

3.2 Actuals

3.2.1. What information and data would you collect?

We could collect data from Destiny to determine what materials patrons are checking out.

3.2.2. How would you collect that information and data?

We could collect data from giving patrons a scavenger hunt to find materials. If they’re

successful, then we will know that they understand how to navigate the Dewey Decimal system.

3.3. What are the discrepancies between the current (actual) and desired (optimal) state?

We could definitely use Destiny to collect data on the materials patrons check out. I do not

believe we would be able to collect data on what materials patrons are searching for online. That

might have to be conducted using a survey or google form.

3.4. What priorities can you assign to the identified discrepancies or goals?
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

It is important to find what patrons do know about using the online catalog and Dewey Decimal

system. We also need to have a system in place to keep track of what materials are being

searched for on the online catalog and if those materials are being checked out. We could even

use something as simple as a tally chart at the check-out station to keep track of if the patron

used the online catalog.

3.5. Prepare a learning goal statement.

Students will be able to use the Dewey Decimal system to find books in the Library/Media

Center. Students will also be able to use a Chromebook to search for books in Destiny (online

catalog). Students will be able to locate books in the library/media center using Dewey call

numbers.

MEASUREMENT
Class Evaluation………….. _ __
LEARNING GOAL Performance Test………_X
I can follow steps to use the Dewey Decimal On-the-Job Follow-Up……. _ _
system to find materials in the Media Center.
ROI Effect………………… ____

Perform Conditio
Criterion
ance n
(restricti
(tasks to (learning
ons,
perform environ
tools)
goal) ment)
Cognitiv
Verbal
Intellect e Motor
Informat Attitude
ual Skills Strategie Skills
ion
s
1. Login Classroo The The The Choose to Computer
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

into m or student student student follow

Chromeb library- will need will need will need the
ook. clean and to know to be able to be able directions
organized his/her to read to type. and login
login and to the
credential follow computer.
s. sequentia
l
directions
.

2. Login Classroo The The The Choose to Computer

into m or student student student follow
Classlink. library- will need will need will need the
clean and to know to be able to be able directions
organized his/her to read to type. and login
login and to the
credential follow computer.
s. sequentia
l
directions
.

3. Click Classroo The The The Choose to Computer

on m or student student student follow
Destiny library- will need will need will need the
(online clean and to know to be able to be able directions
catalog) organized where the to read to type. and click
app. Destiny the names on the
app is of the correct
located. apps. app.

4. Click Classroo The The The Choose to Computer

on the m or student student student follow
search library- will need will need will need the
bar, clean and to read to be able to be able directions
magnifyi organized and to read to type. and click
ng glass, navigate and on the
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

in the top the web navigate correct

right page. the place to
corner of website. type
the informati
screen. on in.
5. Type Classroo The The The The Choose to Computer
the name m or student student student student follow
of the library- will need will need may need will need the
material clean and to know to be able to ask to be able directions
you are organized how to to read how to to type. and click
looking read. and spell the on the
for. navigate name of correct
the the place to
website. material type
needed. informati
on in.
6. Find Classroo The The The Choose to Computer
the call m or student student student follow
number library- will need will need will need the
under the clean and to know to be able to be able directions
title of organized how to to read to type. and click
the book. read the and on the
title and navigate correct
numbers. the place to
website. type
informati
on in.
7. Using Media The The The Choose to Computer
the call Center/Li student student student look for
number, brary- will need will need may need materials
find the clean and to know to be able to ask the on
bookshelf organized how to to read Media bookshel
the read the and Specialist ves.
material title and navigate to show
is located numbers. the where the
on. shelves. shelf is.

8. Using Media The The Choose to Computer

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

the call Center/Li student student look for

number brary- will need will need materials
informati clean and to know to be able on
on, look organized how to to read bookshel
for the read the and ves.
author’s title and navigate
last name numbers. the
or the shelves.
actual
call
number
on the
spine of
the book.

4.1 Goal Analysis

4.1.1 What is the domain classification and type of learning (or type and level of learned

capability) for your problem?

The domain for the problem we have identified is an intellectual skill, which is a skill that is

defined as a skill that requires the learner to do a unique cognitive activity. (Dick, Carey, &

Carey, 2014, p.43) The goal requires patrons to solve problems and apply rules to solve those

problems therefore patrons will be exercising intellectual skills.

4.2 Subordinate Skills Analysis

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

4.2.1 Choose an appropriate analysis method and provide an example of a subordinate

skills analysis associated with the instruction that you will provide.

Report II

5. Learner and Context Analysis

5.1 What is the target population?

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

The target population is the students and teachers at Mt. Carmel Elementary school.

5.2 Describe how you would determine the characteristics of the target population.

I would examine the entry skills of the target population by testing what they do know

about the Dewey Decimal System and how it works. To gauge their understanding of the Dewey

Decimal System, I would give them a scavenger hunt to find materials throughout the Media

Center. Depending on what, if anything, the patrons were able to locate, I would be able to

determine the best way to start my instruction. To understand how each patron

learns and processes information, I would conduct Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence test. After

the test, I would speak with a variety of patrons one on one to better determine learner

preferences.

Patron Gender Race Age How do you Multiple

learn best? Intelligence
Learning
Style Survey

Braylon Male African 11 Modeling and Bodily-

American doing kinesthetic

Taraji Female African 6 Reading and Linguistic

American lecture

Hudson Male White 8 Modeling and Logical-

repetition mathematical

Ryleigh Female African 7 Watching a Linguistic

American demonstratio
n

Kristina Female White 35 Hands-on Spatial

Greg Male African 42 Hands-on Bodily-

American Kinesthetic

Andy Male White 38 Engaging Bodily-

Hands on Kinesthetic
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

activities and
practicing

Bianca Female African 27 Listening, Linguistic

American taking notes,
and asking
questions

5.3 Describe how you would determine the physical and organizational environment.

Patrons would begin seated in the Media Center at tables. The Media Center is organized

with the nonfiction books that have numerical call numbers on the shelves along the perimeter of

the library. The fiction books that have call numbers that start with FICm, are organized in

alphabetical order by the author’s last name on shelves labeled “Fiction.” The picture books that

have call numbers that start with E are organized in alphabetical order by the author’s last name

on shelves labeled “E for Everyone.”

I will start by showing patrons how to locate the online card catalog on whatever device

they have. Teachers have laptops with apps on a launchpad page. Students in Kindergarten

through second grade have ipads. Students in Third through Fifth grades have Chromebooks

with apps on a launchpad page much like the teachers. I will model how to look up materials. I

will then give patrons a tour of the library so they can get familiar with the different sections.

and show how to find the materials they are looking for.

Technology Integration Assessment

Technology Planning and Policies
Patrons will need to bring their school issued
device (laptop, Chromebook, or iPad) for this
lesson. This is a tool/app already installed on
their devices. The implementation of the
online card catalog will better equip patrons to
find materials needed.
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

Finance The school and board of education has a

technology budget which allows for devices,
WIFI, the use of the online card catalog, and
any updates necessary.

Equipment and Infrastructure Every patron throughout the school has a

school issued device assigned to them for
instructional purposes. The Media Center is
equipped with extra devices in the event a
patron does not have his/hers.

Maintenance and Support The school has employed a Media Specialist,

an Instructional Technology Support staff
member, and a Media and Technology
Support paraprofessional to provide assistance
to patrons.

Professional Development This lesson would serve as professional

development to staff members.

Technology Integration For anyone not proficient in using technology,

I will model how to locate the online card
catalog and use it to locate materials.

6. Writing Performance Objectives

6.1 State the Terminal Objective for your Instructional Plan: Patrons will be able to use the

online card catalog and find materials using the call numbers from the Dewey Decimal System.

6.1.1. When given access to the online card catalog (CN), patrons will be able to use call

numbers assigned by the Dewey Decimal System (B) to locate materials in the Media

Center (CR).

6.2. Prepare three (3) Subordinate Objectives (SO).

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

6.2.1. Patrons will be able to use their laptop, Chromebooks, or iPads to locate the online

card catalog system named Destiny.

6.2.2. Patrons will be able to use the online card catalog system using the Dewey Decimal

system within Destiny to look up the call numbers assigned to the materials they need.

6.3.3. Patrons will be able use the Dewey Decimal System call numbers to locate

materials in the Media Center.

7. Assessments

7.1 Select one SO; describe the manner by which you would assess whether or not the learner

has achieved that objective. In order to assess if Patrons are able to locate the materials they are

in search of, I will give them different materials to find in the Media Center to determine if they

are able to locate specific materials.

7.2 What types of assessment instruments will your instruction have? Why? I would like to use

a scavenger hunt and verbal questioning. The scavenger hunt would include materials from

nonfiction books, fiction books, picture books, and A/V materials. The verbal questioning would

allow me to hear if they know what section to go to in order to find the materials.

7.3 Write items to assess the SOs above in 6.2. Include an answer key and rubric.

SO Answer key Rubric

6.2.1. Patron will be able to Patron finds the Destiny app 1 point -yes
use his/her on his/her device and is able 0 points - no
laptop,Chromebooks, or iPads to find the catalog tab.
to locate the online card
catalog system named
Destiny.

6.2.2. Patron will be able to Patron is able to type in some 1 point-Type in identifying
use the online card catalog type of identifying information
system using the Dewey information (title, author, type 2 points-Type in identifying
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

Decimal system within
Destiny to look up the call
numbers assigned to the
materials they need.
of material, etc.) about the
materials they need into the
search bar, find the name of
the material needed, and
locate the call number.
information and find the
material needed
3 points-Type in identifying
information, find the name of
the material needed, and
locate call number.

6.3.3. Patron will be able use Patron is able to find material 1 point-Able to find material
the Dewey Decimal System using a call number. using a call number.
call numbers to locate
materials in the Media Center.

8. Planning Instructional Strategy:

8.1 For the TO (Terminal Objective), specify and exemplify an appropriate pre-instructional

activity or activities.

When given access to the online card catalog (CN), patrons will be able to use call

numbers assigned by the Dewey Decimal System (B) to locate materials in the Media

Center (CR).

I would begin by asking patrons what they already know about the Dewey Decimal system. It is

likely that the students have not heard of it nor do they know anything about it. Some of the

faculty members may have some knowledge of it. I would ask if anyone knew how to find

materials in the Media Center. I have a scavenger hunt that could be used to assess if patrons can

locate materials in the Media Center.

8.2 For an SO (Subordinate Objective), specify and exemplify an appropriate pre-instructional

activity or activities.

Patron will be able to use the online card catalog system using the Dewey Decimal

system within Destiny to look up the call numbers assigned to the materials they need.
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

I would begin with making certain everyone knew where and how to find Destiny on the

launchpad page. Once in Destiny, I will walk the patrons through the steps to find the catalog

tab and how to type in the identifying information needed to locate materials. Once the title of

the material has been found, I will demonstrate how to find the call number.

8.3 For the same SO, specify and exemplify an appropriate practice activity or activities.

As a way for patrons to demonstrate understanding and practice, I will give them a list of

materials for them to find the call numbers.

8.4 For the TO, specify and exemplify an appropriate evaluation of follow-through activity or

activities.

As a way to evaluate if the patrons can meet the terminal objective, they can demonstrate

mastery by finding the materials from the practice activities where they found the call numbers.

They can use the activity used for the SO in 8.3 where they found call numbers using Destiny to

find the material in the Media Center.

9. Planning Logistics and management for Instructional Materials

9.1 For the TO, provide a description of the learning experience and how you planned for it.

● The learning experience for faculty members will include them coming to the Media

Center where I will deliver the professional development. I will start by asking if anyone

knows anything about the Dewey Decimal System. Faculty members will share what

they know. I will present a slideshow I created of step by step instructions of where to go

to find the Destiny app and how to use it to find the materials they need. The slideshow
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

will be provided to the staff members both by email and paper copies. I will also show

them how to check if we have any copies available as well as how to place a hold on the

item they wish to check out. Once I have gone through the slideshow, we will take a tour

of the Media Center so they can see where the different sections are. I will verbally ask

where they could locate items. I will have groups of the faculty members practice by

looking up the call numbers for 4 items using Destiny. There will be separate lists for the

8 tables I have in the Media Center. Then using the call numbers, I will have them locate

the materials throughout the Media Center. As an exit ticket, I will have them find one

example off the list of the four items they found the call numbers for.

● The learning experience for students will include students coming to the Media Center. I

will ask the students if they know anything about the Dewey Decimal System. I will give

them a scavenger hunt to find materials in the Media Center. I will let them look for

about five minutes or less if I see them struggling and/or getting frustrated. I will call

them back to the tables and take up their scavenger hunt. I will show them this video.

Once the video is over, I will show them where to find Destiny on their ipad or

chromebooks. When all of the students have Destiny pulled up, I will demonstrate how

to navigate the program and how to look up different types of materials they may need. I

will have them practice looking up materials by typing in the title of a book, the

author,and type of material. After I see they are able to find materials on Destiny, I will

show them how to find the call number online. I will have groups of students practice by

looking up the call numbers for 4 items using Destiny. There will be separate lists for the

8 tables I have in the Media Center. We will take a tour of the Media Center so they can
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

see where the different sections are. I will verbally ask where they could locate items.

Then using the call numbers, I will have them locate the materials throughout the Media

Center. I will give them back their scavenger hunt to complete.

9.2 Provide a material, technology, and resource logistics checklist.

● Materials: scavenger hunt cards, teacher-created instructions including screenshot of how

to use Destiny, Dewey Decimal bookmarks, 8 tables and 32 chairs

● Technology: Laptop, Chromebook, iPad, projector, whiteboard, internet access, Media

Center, Destiny app, copy machine, teacher-created slideshow of step-by-step

instructions on how to use Destiny.

● Resources: books, A/V materials

9.3 Provide an organizational matrix/table showing learning initiatives, activities, and lessons.

Learning Initiative Activities Lessons

Patron will be able to use ● Students login to ● Show a video of what

his/her laptop, Chromebooks, devices
or iPads to locate the online ● Students login to their
card catalog system named launchpads.
Destiny. ● Students find the
Destiny app on the
launchpad page.
the Dewey Decimal
system is and explain
why we use it.
● Have students tell why
they think it is useful
and/or important.
● Model how to login
and find Destiny

Patron will be able to use the ● Students will navigate
online card catalog system the Destiny app
using the Dewey Decimal ● Students type in
system within Destiny to look identifying
up the call numbers assigned information to look up
to the materials they need. materials.
● Students will find call
numbers for materials.
● Model and
demonstrate how to
navigate app
● Explain the function
of the different tabs
● Explain what
identifying
information is and
where to type it in
● Explain what a call
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers
Patron will be able use the
Dewey Decimal System call
numbers to locate materials in
the Media Center.
number is, where to
find it on Destiny and
where to find it on the
materials in the Media
Center .
● Students will be able ● Explain how the
to move around the materials are
Media Center to find organized in the
materials. Media Center.
● Explain what the signs
mean on and around
the shelves in the
Media Center.
● Take a tour of the
Media Center.
● Model locating
specific material in
different sections.
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

Report III

10. Developing Instructional Materials

10.1 Terminal Objective: When given access to the online card catalog (CN), patrons

will be able to use call numbers assigned by the Dewey Decimal System (B) to locate

materials in the Media Center (CR).

Plan for Pre-instructional materials:

Patrons will receive Chromebooks, scavenger hunt cards, and teacher-created instruction

on how to use the Destiny system. Upon arrival in the media center, patrons will watch a

video on the Dewey Decimal System. This video will provide an introduction to the ten

classifications of nonfiction in the Dewey Decimal System. Patrons will tour the media

center to familiarize themselves with how the media center is arranged.

10.2 Subordinate Objective: Patron will be able use the Dewey Decimal System call

numbers to locate materials in the Media Center.

Presentation of materials:
Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

Patrons will watch the video on the Dewey Decimal System and tour the media center to

become familiar with how it is arranged. Patrons will then be provided with a scavenger

hunt card. The scavenger hunt card will have a list of the materials that need to be located

in the media center using the Dewey Decimal call numbers. There are a total of 8 tables,

each table having a different list of materials.

10.3 Subordinate Objective: Patrons will be able to use the Dewey Decimal System call

numbers to locate materials in the Media Center.

Practice Materials:

Once the patrons understand how to look up materials in the Destiny catalog and can

identify the Dewey Decimal call numbers, patrons will be able to practice finding

materials in the media center using the call numbers. This may done in groups so patrons

may gain confidence.

10.4 Terminal Objective: When given access to the online card catalog (CN), patrons

will be able to use call numbers assigned by the Dewey Decimal System (B) to locate

materials in the Media Center (CR).

Follow-through Materials:

Patrons will receive a teacher-created slideshow with instructions and screenshots of how

to use the Destiny catalog. In order to help patrons, especially students, remember what

section to find nonfiction materials, I will hand out bookmarks that have the ten Dewey

Decimal classifications printed on them. This will also encourage students to browse

different sections for books to read for pleasure.

Using the Dewey Decimal System in Media Centers

11. Formative Evaluation

The formative evaluation will be done with a small group before using the lesson on the full

group of patrons. I will teach the lesson on the Destiny catalog and Dewey Decimal System as I

would for the whole group. I will then ask the small group participants their opinion of the clarity

of instructions, the quality of the informational resources provided, and whether the lesson is

sufficiently helpful to the patron.

12. Revision

I will use the opinions gathered from the small group participants during the formative

evaluation to determine what needs to be changed about the lesson. If patrons struggled with a

particular part of the lesson, I will make revisions for the summative evaluation.

13. Summative Evaluation

The summative evaluation will consist of providing the patrons with a list of materials to find in

the media center. After patrons have practiced in pairs or groups, they will individually search

for the item in the Destiny catalog; identify the Dewey Decimal call number; and use the call

number to locate the item on the shelf. I will then be able to see which patrons understand how to

use the Destiny catalog and Dewey Decimal call numbers. If the patrons are able to locate the

materials successfully, then I know they understand how to use the Destiny catalog and DDS call

numbers.