More on IL models

The studies done by Herring (PLUS model) and Wolf (Big 6 model) on information literacy models made for interesting reading. The common element was the beneficial nature of using scaffolding to assist students on their research journey, and what impact this had on achievement and attitude. Both studies focused on eighth grade students however, I found it interesting that no TL was mentioned in the Big 6 study (except the researcher), whereas the Herring study involved the teachers and the TL working collaboratively. There were no negative responses recorded by students in the Big 6 model study, whereas the PLUS model study had some negative responses (e.g. It was boring etc.), which I felt was more realistic for that age group. Post-activity surveys were completed for both, but there were no negative responses reported in the Big 6 study. They also both conducted exit interviews and Herring's study provided students with a booklet to use during the task, and Wolf's study had students complete a journal throughout the task, to record their progress and feelings. I felt both studies were fairly similar, and both concluded that the use of an information literacy model was beneficial, and provided a scaffold which supported students through the activity. The only exception to this were the more able students in the Herring study, who did not need to rely on the scaffold, as they naturally undertook the steps independently anyway. I felt the studies were very informative and offered some new questions to be answered.