Information skills, searching behaviour and cognitive styles for student-centred learning: a computer-assisted learning approach

Abstract

Undergraduates were tested to establish how they searched databases, the effectiveness of their searches and their satis faction with them. The students' cognitive and learning styles were determined by the Lancaster Approaches to Studying Inventory and Riding's Cognitive Styles Analysis tests. There were significant differences in the searching behaviour and the effectiveness of the searches carried out by students with different learning and cognitive styles. Computer-assisted learning (CAL) packages were devel oped for three departments. The effectiveness of the pack ages was evaluated. Significant differences were found in the ways students with different learning styles used the packages. Based on the experience gained, guidelines for the teaching of information skills and the production and use of packages were prepared.About two-thirds of the searches had serious weaknesses, indicating a need for effective training. It appears that choice of searching strategies, search effectiveness and use of CAL packages are all affected by the cognitive and learning styles of the searcher. Therefore, students should be made aware of their own styles and, if appropriate, how to adopt more effec tive strategies. Information skills training and, in particular, CAL packages for this purpose should be designed to accom modate different cognitive and learning styles.