Information Literacy

The paradigm of learning in education has shifted from the classical theory of the scientific method and the teacher as authority and the student as passive learner. In today's modern educational environment, advanced knowledge of cognitive processes have evolved a new paradigm that encompasses inquiry or constructivism. Instead of the wise all-knowing sage who disseminates information from a podium teachers now serve the role of "guides on the side" who help children learn constructivism and critical thinking, skills that enable them to remain continuous life-long learned who are self-directed and possess the skills that make knowledge acquisition and learning possible (Loertscher and Woolls, 1997, 344). When it comes to school libraries, a similar paradigm shift has evolved. This shift focusing on resource-based teaching increased interest in information literacy. Resource-based learning represents the "adoption of information literacy principles in learning projects using a wide variety of information sources and technologies. Resource-based learning is a school library term for inquiry-based learning or project-based learning" (Loertscher et al., 1997, 344).

While some library media specialists have remained entrenched in the traditional behaviorism mode of learning, many others have shifted to a constructivist approach. The role of the library media specialist has recently encompassed both the conc

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et al., 1997, 363). There are many models that have been developed in order to help achieve the objectives of literacy. One of the most successful because of its simplicity and ease of use coupled with its effectiveness is the Big Six Skills model developed by Eisenberg and Berkowitz. The Big Six Skills model was developed to promote information literacy and critical thinking in learners by guiding them through six stages of learning and inquiry designed to promote self-learning, literacy proficiency and critical thinking skills. The Bix Six Skills model is an information literacy curriculum, an information problem-solving process, and a set of skills that offer a system for effective and efficient acquisition of information skills. The Bix Six Skills model is useful for academic or personal situations, whenever learners are required to acquire information in order to solve problems, make decisions or complete goals. When the model is effectively taught to learners, it enables them to acquire information literacy competence. The Big Six Skills model encompasses the following six stages: Task Definition Define the task (the information problem) Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the infor

Category: Literature - I