Definition
"During the Search stage, searchers identify appropriate information providers, resources and tools, then plan and implement a search strategy to find information relevant to their research question or information need. Searchers are open to using print and electronic tools and resources, cooperative searching and interaction with experts" (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
Planning and implementing my search strategy
A. Identify information providers
___ 1. Identifying the resources and tools needed
to answer questions (e.g., schools,
libraries, museums, home resources,
businesses, etc.)
___ 2. Cooperative searching
___ 3. Interaction with experts
___ 4. Applying resource location skills
B. Select information resources and tools
___ 1. Planning a search strategy
___ 2. Distinguishing among information sources
___ 3. Using information sources appropriately
___ 4. Gathering information from authentic and human
resources
___ 5. Developing search strategies for print and electronic
resources
___ 6. Selecting and using information tools (e.g., indexes,
catalogs, bibliographies, directories, search engines)
___ 7. Understanding the concept of linear (print) and
nonlinear (electronic) organization of information
___ 8. Evaluating the appropriateness of information
providers, tools, and resources
C. Seek relevant information
___ 1. Finding relevant information
___ 2. Skimming and scanning to gather information
___ 3. Recording information through note taking,
summarizing, quoting, and listing significant facts
(handwritten and/or electronic)
___ 4. Recording bibliographic information
___ 5. Asking questions to clarify meaning
___ 6. Interviewing
___ 7. Identifying alternative topics
___ 8. Rechecking information
___ 9. Determining relevancy of information (fact or fiction,
accuracy, currency, primary/secondary, and
relevancy)
___ 10. Using location information
___ 11. Developing search strategies for print and electronic
resources, including explore, browse, hierarchical,
and analytical searches
___ 12. Knowing when to get help
___ 13. Evaluating the results of the search strategy
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/search.cfm
Example
First grade students have been reading and listening to How the Leopard Got His Spots. The students are going to create a wall mural showing the animals in their various habitats. Once students have created a mind map organizing what they know about the colors of animals, they are ready to search for more information. The teacher and school library media specialist help students locate books, videos, and electronic sources about animals at the library media center. Students identify the colors of animals and the colors of the habitats where the animals live. The class visits a zoo and students record information about the colors of animals and their habitats. They also take pictures with the digital camera of animals in their habitats, which will be used later to help students create drawings for their class mural.