Parental and Teacher Influence on Secondary Students’ Information Literacy

Abstract

This study investigated secondary students’ level of information literacy in China, as well as examined parents’ and teachers’ influence toward students’ information literacy. The survey method was employed on a sample of 3172 students, 2035 parents, and 851 teachers to examine personal beliefs, attitudes, and technology usage. Students’ information literacy was assessed via a web-based examination and the main findings were as follows: (1) a large percentage of students’ overall level of information literacy was average or low; (2) teachers’ Internet self-efficacy positively predicted students’ information literacy, while teachers’ in-class ICT usage negatively predicted students’ information literacy; (3) parents’ Internet attitudes positively influenced students’ information literacy. Based on the findings, suggestions for improving students’ information literacy were discussed.