Keywords
Library Skills, Information Search process Model, Information Literacy, Elementary Education, Florida Research Process Model
Abstract
The children's taunt "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers" gives new credence to the information search process at the elementary school level. Children keep what they find, claim it as their own, and accept information without discernment or critique. This study examines the effectiveness of teaching information literacy skills through three different approaches. The first curricular approach uses direct instruction to teach children how to do research using the Florida Research Process FINDS Model. The second approach pairs the FINDS Model with a unit of study that is related to classroom curriculum. The third approach examines the FINDS Model in conjunction with project learning, a constructivist model based on student interest. One hundred twenty- eight third grade students attending a public elementary school in Southwest Florida during the 2008-2009 school year participated in the study. A mixed-methods research approach was used to gather data. Quantitative data was collected with an information literacy pre and post test, and an anonymous media lessons" survey about student preferences. Qualitative data were gathered through a review of student work samples and student interviews. Statistically significant gains were found between the pre to post test scores for all three groups, however no statistically significant differences were found among groups. Although quantitative data did not reveal differences among the treatment groups, qualitative findings revealed that the group taught research skills through the connection to classroom curriculum approach performed better. Thus the findings of this study support existing research which proposes that the best practice for teaching research skills to young children is through a connection to classroom curriculum.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2009
Advisor
Beile, Penny
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
College
College of Education
Department
Educational Studies
Degree Program
Education
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0002957
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002957
Language
English
Release Date
February 2010
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Serrell, Karen, "Finders Keepers: A Comparative Study Investigating Teaching The Florida Research Process Finds Model Through Three Different Approaches At The Elementary School Level" (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3893.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/3893