Assignment+2+-+Information+Literacy+Models

** Summer 2011 **
 * RLS 514: Teaching Research to Children and Adolescents **

** Information Literacy Model Wiki Creation ** ** Due: July 6, 2011 at 5pm **

Library skills instruction is instrumental in building information literacy. This instruction is primarily comprised of three approaches, Source, Pathfinder and Process Models. The Source and Pathfinder Approaches are both resource-centered views of library skills instruction. Their primary focus is on how to use specific texts, documents and materials available rather than on the user and the user's individual research needs. The Source Approach consists of instruction in library materials in a particular library. It includes instruction to the specific reference books and materials that can be found there. There are limitations to this approach in that lessons are presented in a preplanned sequence and do not take advantage of individual student needs. Additionally, they exist in isolation from broader curricular activities and priorities that engage the student. The Pathfinder Approach requires that students move through a series of pre-established general sources to progressively more specific ones. It has the advantage of allowing a student to develop a background in a specific topic before engaging in additional research. The Process Model Approach shifts the primary focus to the user and the information need as articulated by the student. Notable process models are Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP), the Big 6, Independent Investigation Method (IIM), the 8W’s, McKenzie’s Research Cycle, Stripling and Pitts Research Process Model, and the Pathways to Knowledge Information Skills Model. The ISP Models all share a focus on the user's research needs and involve, to varying degrees, common steps of topic identification, resource determination, and information accumulation. More variance occurs in the approaches to synthesizing data, presentation of the findings, and evaluation of the information and/or search process.
 * Background Information **

Thomas, N. P. (2004). //Information literacy and information skills instruction: Applying research to practice in the school library media center//. Second Edition. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
 * Reference **

Seven wiki pages have been established, one for each of the Process Models. You (or you and your partner) will fill in the information about the model by independently researching and adding content to the wiki. After your content entry please note your contribution by using the correct APA in-text citation followed by your initials. Make sure your source is included in the reference section of your wiki page.
 * Wiki Building Assignment **

At the end of this process we will have reference pages for each Process Model that include background information on the method, a description of the steps involved in the model, a commentary on strengths and weaknesses of the model and a list of references used. Look for your model number on the navigation bar to the left. Model 1: Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process – Janeen C. & Jill Sontag Model 2: Super 3 – Kristen H. & Esther S. Model 3: Big 6 - Andrea K. & Jill S. Model 4: Independent Investigation Method (IIM) – Betti N. & Adam Z. Model 5: 8W’s – Gerry O.  Model 6: Stripling and Pitts Research Process Model – Lisa & Teresa

Think of this as constructing an entry on Wikipedia. In that format, you may or may not know your collaborators. It is unlikely that you have pre-planned an approach with your collaborators. One of you will start the information gathering and the other will add to the collective process. Take some time during this project to check on the progress of other wiki’s. This is where we’re all learning from each other in an online environment.
 * Please complete your wiki creation by 5pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2011. **

Online tutorials for information skill instruction: [|Information Age Inquiry] ([]) a comprehensive resource on information literacy instruction for students and educators.
 * Complimentary Resources **
 * [|Empower Information Literacy] (http://library.wichita.edu/empower/)
 * [|Pilot Library Tutorial] (http://pilot.scc.losrios.edu/pilot/)
 * [|Iris: Information and Resource Instructional Suite] (http://www.clark.edu/Library/iris/)