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Developing information literacy with first year oral health students

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 13:01 authored by Ford, PJ, Foxlee, N, Wendy GreenWendy Green

Context:  In this time of rapid expansion of the scientific knowledge base, subject matter runs the risk of becoming outdated within a relatively short time. Instead of adding more content to already crowded curricula, the focus should be on equipping students to adapt to their changing world. The ability to access, evaluate and apply new knowledge for the benefit of patients has been acknowledged as an important goal for dental education. Information literacy is key to achieving this.

Methods:  An information literacy programme for first year oral health students was instituted. This was integrated within a biosciences course and linked with its assessment. Small group instruction reinforced by the use of a tailored online Assignment Guide was used in the context of a specific task. Effectiveness was measured in terms of assessment outcome, processes used and student experience.

Results:  Twenty-seven students participated in the intervention which was effective in enhancing foundation literacy skills and confidence of students in accessing and evaluating information sources in the context of a clinical problem. Improvement in higher level literacy skills required to articulate this information in the synthesis of a scientific review was not demonstrated.

Conclusions:  Integration of this information literacy programme within the learning activities and assessment of a basic sciences course resulted in significantly enhanced information literacy skills. As this is highly relevant for higher education students in general, the wider promotion of information literacy should be encouraged.

History

Publication title

European Journal of Dental Health

Volume

13

Pagination

46-51

ISSN

1396-5883

Department/School

DVC - Education

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Place of publication

USA

Rights statement

Copyright 2009 The Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other education and training not elsewhere classified

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