Information Literacy Curriculum

Chapter 7 

A concepts approach to information literacy is the basis of developing high levels of research proficiency for adapting to rapidly emerging information systems and sources. Guided Inquiry applies a conceptual approach to teaching information skills that introduces students to ideas and strategies they can transfer to a variety of situations and contexts throughout life.  These concepts are best taught by integrating them into all levels of your prekindergarten-12 school curriculum to promote a high degree of independence in searching, selecting, and using information for learning about a wide range of topics and important questions.

Concepts for Locating, Evaluating, and Using Information

This chapter lays out a comprehensive curriculum for developing information literacy through a concept approach to locating, evaluating and using information.  While reading, think about the fundamental concepts your students need to know to be able to locate, evaluate and use information? How will your students employ their information literacy?

The three sections of this chapter present the basic concepts for locating, evaluating, and using information that underly information seeking and use.

The first section focuses on concepts for locating information and sources, responding to the question, “How do I find information about my questions?”

The second section focuses on concepts for evaluating information and sources, responding to the question, “How do I know the information I find is dependable?”

The third section focuses on concepts for using information and sources, responding to the question, “Will the information I find help me to learn about my questions?”

In Guided Inquiry the curriculum builds on concepts of information seeking and use rather than specific skills that are rapidly outdated in the dynamic information environment. Understanding concepts to Locate, Evaluate, and Use fosters information literacy for lifelong learning.