Abstract
The study was executed to analyze the level of Information Literacy skills of medical undergraduates of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, who are engaged in Problem Based Learning (PBL). As the information literacy (IL) skills are the core elements of independent self-directed learning, the PBL must be coupled with IL skills to achieve the maximum benefit of the PBL. The study used the cross sectional survey which used Information Literacy Quiz as an instrument. IL quiz consists of multiple choice questions related to different array of IL skills. Students’ samples were selected randomly and the sample size was 85. The results revealed that the overall average for the IL competency level of medical students is 39%, which ranges from 13.57% to 65.71%, and about 43% of students fall within the ‘Satisfactory level’ (41-60%). When considering average for each skill, analytical skill is 31.36%, locating skill is 47%, comprehension and creating skill are 26.36% and presentation skills is 51.14%. There was no statistical significance in the level of IL skills between genders and there is no association between gender and the level of different IL skills. Furthermore, the study reveals that students do not have sufficient knowledge in concept mapping, 5Wh technique, effective reading methods, note taking techniques, search strategies, use of library catalogues, evaluation of website, and structuring report, and plagiarism. They also do not know the difference between databases and search engines, and scholarly work and nonscholarly work. The study, at the end, suggests that it is essential to improve the IL skills among the students before they are engaged in PBL.
Highlights
Since the higher education system is designed based on adult learning concept, the students take major part in learning while the teachers take the facilitator’s role, unlike the secondary school education
In order to achieve this standard, a person must have some array of skills, which can be collectively called as analytical skill
The analytical skill is the first step in any information literacy (IL) model and through which the need for the information or gap on information has been analysed according to the situation
Summary
Since the higher education system is designed based on adult learning concept, the students take major part in learning while the teachers take the facilitator’s role, unlike the secondary school education. To achieve ultimate goal of making students as lifelong learner, the students have to be trained in independent learning and self-directed learning. Technological era supports the students who are intended to engage in independent learning by creating number of choices of information resources, especially in different digital formats. These information resources make them to learn independently irrespective of their conventional learning spaces such as classroom and libraries. The overwhelming amount of information resources presents a challenge to students by creating an environment with information overload
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