Information literacy as a key component of basic education in Thailand

Abstract

This research paper aimed at analyzing 1) the concept of information literacy in the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum of Thailand; 2) the teaching and learning of information literacy in basic education; and 3) the roles of teacher-librarians in the development of information literacy in basic education. Documentary research mainly the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum and related research works were used, supplemented by interviewing with key teacher-librarians. Data was analyzed using content analysis, and presented descriptively. The Findings showed that: • The term information literacy did not appear directly in the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum but the concept of information literacy skill has been integrated in the Curriculum under various related terms. • There has been an awareness of information literacy in Thailand especially at the educational environment. Information literacy has been taught in various ways, integration in the curriculum/ courses and taught by subject teachers or with teacher- librarians as partners especially in the teaching learning process to promote students' information literacy skills; a single subject as an elective or compulsory subject taught by teacher-librarians, or as part of extra-curricular activities and library orientation. • Teacher-librarians play major roles in the development of information literacy in basic education as instructors/ instructional partners, facilitators, collaborators and connectors.