Die ondersoekproses op skoolvlak : 'n model vir die ontwikkeling van inligtingsvaardighede

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY: The motivation behind this study is the changed approach to knowledge and information in theinformation era. The availability of information and the increasing use of informationtechnology makes the mere reproduction and repetition of information and knowledge atschool level irrelevant. An investigative approach with the accent on the development ofinformation skills and life long learning has become a necessity in education. More skills canbe developed with the use of an independent research process than with the repetition andreproduction of knowledge to pass examinations. The personal involvement and developmentof the pupils through independent learning activities should also be reflected in assessment.This study focuses on the development of information skills and the inquiry process at schoollevel.In this study the possibility of developing a model for the inquiry process through whichinformation skills can be developed at school level, is investigated. The research methodologyincludes a study of relevant literature, content analysis of educational documents and electronicdiscussion groups, interviews with teachers and learners, as well as observation duringindependent learning activities. Educational documents studied with regard to the developmentof information skills include curricula, examination papers, text books, as well as the criticaland specific outcomes of Curriculum 2005 .The literature study highlighted the influence of the information era on education. Thefindings of this study show that the development of information skills should be addressed bythe curriculum. Skills to handle large amounts of information should be developed in everysubject and learning area, but these information and reasoning skills should be part of theresearch process. The analysis of the contents of the curriculum and examination papers in theinterim curriculum show that information and thinking skills are already present. Informationskills are seen as part ofthe research and problem solving process in Curriculum 2005, and arebroadly described in the specific outcomes of the different learning areas. In this regard, the connection between assignments and the research process was analysed, andit was found that teachers and learners sometimes had wrong perceptions. The gaps andproblems regarding independent research activities are shown and should be addressed.Thorough cooperative planning for assignments should be done according to a suitable modelfor the inquiry process, and this should have a positive influence on the problems identified.Different models for the inquiry process are already in use, and these were investigated in orderto develop a theoretical model. Such a model should enable educators and learners to planand complete interesting learning activities and assignments within subjects and learning areas.The model should also specify information skills as part of the steps in the process. Aspectsof assessment as part of a process portfolio, should be included in the model.The end result of this research is a theoretical model for the inquiry process at schoollevel designed with the purpose of facilitating the development of information skills inthe context of subjects with the aid of a process portfolio.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University