How can you teach students to apply information literacy to solve real-world problems?

Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, use and create information effectively and ethically. It is a crucial skill for students to develop, not only for academic success, but also for solving real-world problems. In this article, you will learn how to teach students to apply information literacy to various contexts and challenges, using a four-step framework and some practical examples.

1 Define the problem

The first step to applying information literacy is to define the problem clearly and accurately. You can help students do this by asking them to identify the main question, goal, or need that they want to address. You can also guide them to consider the scope, complexity, and urgency of the problem, as well as the stakeholders and criteria involved. For example, if the problem is how to reduce food waste in a school cafeteria, you can ask students to think about the causes and effects of food waste, the budget and resources available, the preferences and opinions of the students and staff, and the environmental and social impacts of different solutions.

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Alison Pulvermacher

Retired Grant Writer at Fresh Routes
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When you know what the problem is you can start looking at the knowledge you have to solve the problem. When kids learn why they eat a carrot instead of a rice Kristie treat they can apply that to real world food insecurity issues. Knowledge is power.

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2 Search for information

The second step to applying information literacy is to search for information that is relevant, reliable, and diverse. You can help students do this by teaching them how to use various sources and tools, such as databases, catalogs, websites, and social media. You can also show them how to use keywords, filters, and operators to refine their search results. For example, if the problem is how to reduce food waste in a school cafeteria, you can help students find information on best practices, case studies, statistics, and opinions from different perspectives and disciplines.

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3 Evaluate and synthesize information

The third step to applying information literacy is to evaluate and synthesize the information that they have found. You can help students do this by teaching them how to assess the credibility, accuracy, relevance, and bias of the information, using criteria such as authority, currency, evidence, and purpose. You can also show them how to compare and contrast different sources, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and integrate and organize the information into a coherent and logical argument. For example, if the problem is how to reduce food waste in a school cafeteria, you can help students evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, such as composting, donating, or reducing portion sizes, and synthesize the information into a proposal or presentation.

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Meredith Eliassen

Associate Librarian, Lecturer/Special Collections Librarian at San Francisco State University
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I work in an academic library so most of the instruction I do is in relation to university curriculum. I collaborate with campus faculty to develop content with primary source material related to a variety of real world projects. The faculty design assignments but I create scaffolding for information literacy with my expertise with the collections. The exercises I develop give students opportunities to synthesize information visually and with texts. This is very important in the age of artificial intelligence to give students authentic experience in synthesizing ideas before they apply AI. Students gain confidence doing this with peers. It is a beautiful thing to watch because AI is here and we need to prepare students to recognize it.

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4 Use and communicate information

The fourth step to applying information literacy is to use and communicate the information that they have synthesized in an ethical and effective way. You can help students do this by teaching them how to cite and reference their sources properly, using a consistent and appropriate style. You can also show them how to tailor their communication to their audience, purpose, and format, using clear language, visuals, and evidence. For example, if the problem is how to reduce food waste in a school cafeteria, you can help students use and communicate their information in a persuasive and respectful way, such as writing a letter to the principal, creating a poster campaign, or giving a speech to the school community.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you teach students to apply information literacy to solve real-world problems?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Define the problem

2 Search for information

3 Evaluate and synthesize information

4 Use and communicate information

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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How can you teach students to apply information literacy to solve real-world problems?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Define the problem

2 Search for information

3 Evaluate and synthesize information

4 Use and communicate information

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

Rate this article

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