 |
|
|
 Information
Literacy
Information
skills
Getting
started
Worksample
units
References
Information literacy is the ability to confidently define, locate
and critically use information from across a broad range of information
sources and technologies.‘Information literate students are
competent, independent learners. They know their information needs
and actively engage in the world of ideas. They display confidence
in their ability to solve problems and know what is relevant information.
They manage technology tools to access information and communicate.
They operate comfortably in situations where there are multiple
answers as well as those with no answers. They hold high standards
for their work and create quality products. Information literate
students are flexible, can adapt to change and are able to function
independently and in groups.’ (Todd,
R. ‘Independent Learning and Information Literacy: An Essential
Information Partnership for Learning’, Learning Resourcefully
in the Information Age, AUSLIB Press, 1996, pp 13-18)
What is an Integrated Curriculum?
An integrated curriculum addresses outcomes as part of a whole
so that learning is both meaningful and transferable.‘Curriculum
integration does not abandon the skills and understandings that
are specific to the individual Key Learning Areas, but is a means
of enhancing those areas that cross Key Learning Areas.’‘An
integrated approach better reflects the way children learn at home
and in primary school. Through planning and programming integrated
learning experiences, primary teachers enable students to make connections
and to understand relationships within and between learning areas.’
(Guiding Statement on Curriculum Integration, Board of Studies
NSW, 1996)‘Effective integrated curriculum has two key characteristics:
-
It is inquiry based and should be structured according to the
principles of inquiry teaching and learning.
-
It is "understanding driven" – the ultimate
goal of teaching and learning becomes one of enhancing students'
understanding of the way the world works.’
(Murdoch K and Hornsby D, Planning Curriculum Connections,
Eleanor Curtin Publishing 1997)Board of Studies Guiding
Statement on Curriculum Integration (1996)
Generic Skills
One strategy for implementing an integrated curriculum is to use
generic skills.
These skills have been identified by teachers as useful when planning
an integrated curriculum. They can broadly be described as Research,
Communication, Solving Problems, Using Technology, Critical Thinking,
Expression, Task Management, Cooperation and Citizenship.
Skill Focus
|
Description
|
|
Research
|
Locate, select and evaluate information from a variety of
sources
|
|
Communication
|
Present and communicate information according to purpose,
situation and audience
|
|
Solving Problems
|
Apply a range of problem-solving strategies to achieve an
accepted solution
|
|
Using Technology
|
Select and use the most appropriate technology for a given
task
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
Make personal judgements and informed choices
|
|
Expression
|
Respond emotionally and imaginatively through creative and
expressive activities
|
|
Task Management
|
Use time and resources effectively
|
|
Cooperation
|
Work cooperatively with others
|
|
Citizenship
|
Develop an awareness of personal, local, national and global
responsibilities
|
These skills are not subject-specific but are based on competencies
needed for learning for life.
|
|
