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Appraising information literacy skills of students in Singapore

Shaheen Majid (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Singapore)
Schubert Foo (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,Singapore)
Yun Ke Chang (Department of Computer Information Science, Higher College of Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates)

Aslib Journal of Information Management

ISSN: 2050-3806

Article publication date: 26 May 2020

Issue publication date: 16 June 2020

922

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate information literacy (IL) skills of secondary students in Singapore after integration of these skills into school curriculum. The study also explored cyber wellness skills of the students.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 14 secondary schools, located in different geographical zones of the country. A total of 3,306 secondary students participated in this survey. A scoring scheme was devised to assess IL skills of the students.

Findings

The students achieved an overall mean score of 52.6%, which is considered as a “middle” level of IL competency. The students obtained high mean scores for two IL skills: “defining information task and analysing information gaps” (60.5%) and cyber wellness (60.1%). Lowest scores were achieved for two IL skills: “selecting information sources” (47.4%) and “appraising the information process and product” (48.0%).

Research limitations/implications

This study has not investigated IL knowledge of teachers, responsible for teaching IL components. Similarly, content analysis of school textbooks, integrating IL skills, could be useful.

Practical implications

It appeared that integration of IL skills into school curriculum showed limited success in imparting these skills. This paper suggests measures for improving the integration of IL skills into school curriculum. Findings of this survey will be useful to curriculum planners, education administrators, instructors teaching IL skills and school librarians.

Originality/value

This study was unique as, in addition to standard IL skills, it also investigated cyber wellness skills. It was desirable as now social media have become a popular source for information seeking and sharing.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This study was conducted in collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB) and Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE). The MOE approved the study and its questionnaire as well as allowed the selected public secondary schools to participate in this survey. The NLB facilitated data collection and analysis through an appointed firm.

Citation

Majid, S., Foo, S. and Chang, Y.K. (2020), "Appraising information literacy skills of students in Singapore", Aslib Journal of Information Management, Vol. 72 No. 3, pp. 379-394. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-01-2020-0006

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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