Developing information literacy with first year oral health students.
BACKGROUND
In this time of rapid expansion of the scientific knowledge base, subject matter runs the risk of becoming outdated within a relatively short time.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.
Ford
P J
PJ
The University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia. p.ford@uq.edu.au
Foxlee
N
N
Green
W
W
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000193:education; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003142:Communication; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003479:Curriculum; D048048:Dental Informatics / Q000193:education*; D004497:Education, Dental; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D007254:Information Science / Q000193:education; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D015714:Plagiarism; D011340:Problem Solving; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013335:Students, Dental; D013663:Teaching; D013850:Thinking