The Teaching and Learning of Information Literacy Skills among High School Students: Are We There yet?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the information literacy (IL) skills of high school students and the practices used by educators to instill those IL competencies. Three foreign private high schools following an American-style curriculum covering grades 9 − 12 in the State of Kuwait participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a mixed-methods approach based on the Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning and the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action. Students rated their IL abilities using a questionnaire survey, while four of their teachers were interviewed. The results showed schools are following IL standards, and students’ ratings confirm learning has occurred. Few studies have examined the information literacy competencies of high school students across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and based on the review of the literature, no study has investigated information literacy education of foreign private high schools in the State of Kuwait. The study provides insights into the current environment that could help in designing and managing IL programs as well as inspiring further research.