Information Seeking Behaviour of Teaching Practice Students of College of Education Gindiri, Plateau State-Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the information-seeking behaviour of College of Education Gindiri practicum students. The study used a descriptive survey approach and polled a sample of 340 students completing fieldwork as part of their teacher preparation for the 2020/21 school year. Data were obtained using a standardized, closed-ended questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale, and participants were selected using a purposeful random sample procedure. We used SPSS version 26 to classify and analyse the data we gathered, and our cutoff for acceptance was set at a mean score of 3.0. The study’s findings showed that preservice teachers looked for information for both academic and teaching practice purposes; they accessed this information via lecture notes and course materials, the internet, libraries, seminars/workshops, and personal collections; their information resources came in the form of textbooks, journals, newspapers/magazines, and internet/PDF; and they faced challenges such as a lack of reliable electricity, a lack of up-to-date resources, an insufficient number of computers, and an inexperienced faculty. Among the many suggestions made was that library patrons be encouraged to make use of CD-ROM, radio, and television resources; that the library’s information resources be kept current with the needs of library patrons; that high-speed internet access be provided; and that a reliable power source be established.