Definition
"Appreciation is the first stage of the Pathways Model. Individuals appreciate literature, the arts, nature and information in the world around them through varied and multiple formats, including stories, film, paintings, natural settings, music, books, periodicals, the Web, video, etc. Appreciation often fosters curiosity and imagination which can be a prelude to a discovery phase in an information seeking activity. As learners proceed through the stages of information seeking their appreciation grows and matures throughout the process. Each time a searcher has an information need or is pursuing information in response to a research question she or he may not engage in the Appreciation stage of the Pathway Model. In other cases, the information seeking activity may be greatly enhanced if an Appreciation strategy is a prelude to other stages of the process" (Pappas & Tepe, 1997).
Note. Pathways to Knowledge(www.pathwaysmodel.com), by M.L. Pappas and A.E. Tepe, 1997, is used with permission from Follett Software Company. Copyright by Follett Software Company, 1391 Corporate Drive, McHenry, Illinois 60050.
Checklist of Observable Behaviors
___ 1. Listening
___ 2. Sensing
___ 3. Curiosity
___ 4. Imagining
___ 5. Viewing
___ 6. Reading
___ 7. Creating
___ 8. Writing
___ 9. Discussing
___ 10. Verbalizing
___ 11. Appreciating
___ 12. Enjoying
___ 13. Evaluating
Reference
Pappas, M.L., & Tepe, A.E. (1997). Pathways to knowledge: Follett's Information Skills Model (3rd ed.). McHenry, IL: Follett Software. Available: http://www.pathwaysmodel.com/the-model/text/appreciation.cfm
Example
A group of high school students is introduced to information about cultural characteristics of different countries. The students listen to the information presented by the teacher and the guest speaker from China and enjoy samples of Chinese food that they prepare. They are also shown a video about holidays in different countries. The teacher wants to make students interested in learning more about traditions in different cultures.