ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
An Inquiry into Components of Teachers' Practical Knowledge in Chinese Schools
Author: Chen, Xiangming
Date: 2009-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Observation,Interviews,Foreign Countries,Teachers,Researchers,Educational Change,Higher Education,Beliefs,Reflection

Traditionally school teachers have been considered as lacking knowledge of their own. They were regarded as consumers of knowledge created by university researchers outside their practice. With the increasing call for teachers to assume a role as researcher in recent China, more and more research has been conducted into the knowledge of school teachers. This paper discusses a research project on school teachers' practical knowledge. As one of the many reform strategies, the research is conducted by a collaborative team of university researchers and school teachers. The purpose of the research is to empower school teachers by identifying and acknowledging a special kind of knowledge of their own. By way of classroom observation, interviewing and document analysis, the team finds that teachers' practical knowledge can be conceived as composing 4 major components. 1) Subject: the owners of the practical knowledge are teachers instead of academics. 2) Problem situation: teachers are confronted with a puzzling problem to be solved. 3) Reflection-in-action: teachers need to take measures to solve the problem in order to obtain an &quot;experience&quot; in Dewey's sense. This experience relates &quot;doing&quot; to&quot;receiving&quot; (interactive), and will guide teachers' teaching in the future (continuity). 4) Beliefs: although practical knowledge is embedded within the whole &quot;experience&quot;, it can be distilled into a belief which will be subsequently verified by teachers' actions and will direct their follow-up actions. (Contains 4 figures.)
The Progress of Globalization and Educational Reforms in East Asia
Author: Shimbo, Atsuko
Date: 2009-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Conferences (Gatherings),Teacher Effectiveness,Equal Education,Teacher Improvement,Global Approach,Educational Change,Foreign Countries,Social Change

The symposium entitled &quot;Social Changes in East Asia and Educational reforms: China, Korea, and Singapore&quot; suggested that these countries are carrying out rather drastic educational reforms in the context of rapid social changes. The knowledge gained from the symposium also has important suggestions for Japanese educational reform. In addition, as a result of the discussions among the three panelists, common challenges in educational reforms in Asia emerged. These include, for example, the rise of the post-modern type meritocracy represented by learning ability and human power; the pursuit of excellence versus fairness and equality of education; the increase of poverty and deterioration of learning environments for children during economic recessions; and the improvement of teacher quality.
The Philosophy of Information as an Underlying and Unifying Theory of Information Science
Author: Tomic, Taeda
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Science,Philosophy,Theories,Information Retrieval,Information Management,Epistemology,Information Literacy,Bibliometrics,Critical Thinking,Information Technology,Knowledge Management

Introduction: Philosophical analyses of theoretical principles underlying these sub-domains reveal philosophy of information as underlying meta-theory of information science. Method: Conceptual research on the knowledge sub-domains in information science and philosophy and analysis of their mutual connection. Analysis: Similarities between conceptual cores and research questions of the two fields have been investigated. The consequent methods and knowledge domains of philosophy of information have been studied. Results: As the underlying theory, philosophy of information discovers philosophical questions in all of the information sub-domains studied. In information retrieval, it studies ontological and epistemological. Knowledge organization implements philosophy of language. Theories of information management actualize classical epistemological issues in the context of organizational knowledge. Studies of information behaviour benefit from argumentation theory. Philosophical analyses may possibly investigate how the concrete rules of bibliometric models influence conceptions and evaluations of knowledge. The sub-domain of information literacy is significantly compatible with philosophical conceptions and techniques of critical thinking. Conclusions: As underlying and unifying theory of information science, philosophy of information implements advanced abilities of critical thinking in the sub-domains, with respect to the role that information technology and the resulting knowledge structures, codes, languages and systems might have for the development of mind and world.
Webometrics: Emergent or Doomed?
Author: Thelwall, Mike
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Science,Statistical Analysis,Internet,Research,Citation Analysis,Surveys

Introduction: For some years bibliometric studies have identified webometrics as one of the largest information science fields. Nevertheless, most published webometric research is relatively theoretical and, as a new research field, seems unlikely to survive unless it is useful in some way. In general it is very important for academics to identify hot research topics and avoid unpromising ones and so methods are needed to help this identification process. Method: This article uses citation analysis and a survey of webometricians to assess the extent to which webometrics has found applications outside of its parent discipline. Results: The results suggest that there has been a turn towards applied webometrics with several externally-financed studies being contracted. Moreover, there is a significant amount of citation of webometrics research by disciplines outside information science, including computing, communication science and health. Nevertheless, it seems that the potential user base for current webometric techniques is wider still, creating a need for awareness-raising. Conclusions: Whilst webometrics already has several claims to usefulness, there is still progress to be made. (Contains 1 figure.)
Transcending Silos, Developing Synergies: Libraries and Archives
Author: Oliver, Gillian
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Libraries,Archives,Information Management,Library Services,Electronic Libraries,Competition,Institutional Cooperation,Foreign Countries

Introduction: Very little research crosses the institutional boundaries of libraries and archives, and theres appears to be little predisposition to look for areas of common interest. However, practitioners in these settings have much to learn from each other. Purpose: This paper argues that practitioners' understanding of information management is likely to be influenced by their occupation and that this narrow view does not foster an environment which is conducive to the sharing of knowledge and experiences between the institutional types. The potential value which could be realised in increasing awareness of the nature and purpose of each other's domains and familiarity with the literature in each area, is illustrated by using the example of joint use libraries and comparing this to the changing pattern of user services in archives. The need for greater understanding of different perspectives in the digital environment is also signalled. Conclusions: The information continuum theory is proposed as a framework to underpin research that encompasses all professional groups active in information management.
Selecting and Using Information Sources: Source Preferences and Information Pathways of Israeli Library and Information Science Students
Author: Bronstein, Jenny
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Sources,Criteria,Selection,Library Education,College Students,Student Journals,Information Seeking,Access to Information,Foreign Countries

Introduction: The study investigated the source preference criteria of library and information science students for their academic and personal information needs. Method: The empirical study was based on two methods of data collection. Eighteen participants wrote a personal diary for four months in which they recorded search episodes and answered an open-ended questionnaire. Analysis: First, data were collected concerning the participants' preferences for information sources and the types of issues that brought them to look for information. Secondly, data from participants' answers to the open ended questionnaire were analysed using the content analysis method. The third phase of the process identified the sequences or pathways of information sources used by participants. Results: The main preference criterion for networked sources was accessibility which was perceived as easiness of use, time saving, language and physical proximity. The main preference criterion for human sources was the quality and reliability of the information provided by the source. Conclusions: Diaries proved to be a valuable tool for getting a glimpse into the participants' thought processes and decision making, while the researchers with an overall view of source preferences. The concept of information pathways further clarified source preferences. (Contains 5 tables.)
Studying Information Needs as Question-Negotiations in an Educational Context: A Methodological Comment
Author: Lundh, Anna
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Needs,Information Seeking,Theories,Models,Research Methodology,Ethnography,Elementary School Students,Elementary School Teachers,Librarians,Interpersonal Relationship,Questioning Techniques,Foreign Countries

Introduction: The concept of information needs is significant within the field of Information Needs Seeking and Use. &quot;How&quot; information needs can be studied empirically is however something that has been called into question. The main aim of this paper is to explore the methodological consequences of discursively oriented theories when studying information needs. The discussion takes its starting point in the model of information needs and question formations presented by Robert S. Taylor in the 1960s. Method: The empirical material used for exemplifying the proposed methodology consists of video recordings from an ethnographical study conducted at a Swedish primary school. Analysis: The analysis is guided by concepts based in sociocultural and dialogistic theories and is directed towards question-negotiations in conversations and interactions in naturalistic settings. Conclusions: Earlier studies of information needs are often based on the idea of an individually constructed actual need as it is presented in the first level in Taylor's model. With an interest in the two latter levels of the model the analytical focus is shifted to question-negotiations which are seen as the results of situated discursive and collective efforts. This shift entails a methodological shift in the study of information needs. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)
Library and Information Sciences in the Environment of the Information Disciplines: Towards Integrative Models of Disciplines, Professional Community and Information and Communication Public Policies
Author: Sabelli, Martha
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Library Science,Information Science,Theory Practice Relationship,Influences,Barriers,Interdisciplinary Approach,Foreign Countries

Introduction: The presentation seeks to investigate the facilitators and obstacles to convergence between library and information science theory and practice in an information disciplines context. The starting point consists of a review of &quot;inward&quot; and &quot;outward&quot; fragmentations existing in our discipline: between academia and professionals, between research areas, between university research and the other university functions: teaching and extension. The role of research problems' approaches to disciplinary unit, and the relevance of articulation of information disciplines to the promotion of information public policies are also considered. Development: These ideas are shared and discussed in light of a review and reflection on our experiences with interdisciplinary teams in library and information science research projects from 1990 to present in Uruguay. Conclusions: We refer to the challenges faced by information disciplines in view of, firstly, the new development model adopted by this country, based on building an information and knowledge society aiming to promote research and innovation and, secondly, a university in the middle of a reform process towards the integrity of university functions and the needed creation of &quot;interdisciplinary spaces&quot;.
Ecological Dimensions of Information Literacy
Author: Steinerova, Jela
Date: 2010-03-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Literacy,Information Science,Information Seeking,Information Retrieval,Holistic Approach

Introduction: We examine relationships between information literacy and information ecology with regard to conceptual innovation in information science. We aim to expand our understanding of human information behaviour and relevance assessment in the electronic environment. Method: Conceptual analysis and conceptual mapping is used and relationships of main concepts are determined in a concept map. Earlier empirical research on information behaviour styles and relevance assessment using surveys and interviews are synthesized. Analysis: Two information styles (pragmatic and analytic) are characterized. Relevance assessment in the electronic environment is analysed. Relevance is considered as part of information literacy. Examples of students' information horizons and a concept map of relevance are given. Results: Ecological dimensions of information literacy are determined at semantic (relevance), visual (information horizon, concept maps) and behavioural and social levels (information styles). A model of ecological dimensions of information literacy is outlined based on triangle of values, tools and communities. Recommendations for development of students' information literacy are presented at levels of information seeking and relevance assessment. Conclusions: Implications for information literacy development in the electronic environments and for information and educational strategies are derived. Relevance assessment should be actively trained as part of information literacy and guided inquiry. Ecological dimensions of information literacy can be used in new models of e-learning and digital libraries. (Contains 4 figures and 1 table.)
Talk as a Metacognitive Strategy during the Information Search Process of Adolescents
Author: Bowler, Leanne
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Adolescents,Metacognition,Psychological Patterns,Information Seeking,Case Studies,Two Year Colleges,College Students,Interpersonal Communication,Social Networks,Foreign Countries

Introduction: This paper describes a metacognitive strategy related to the social dimension of the information search process of adolescents. Method: A case study that used naturalistic methods to explore the metacognitive thinking nd associated emotions of ten adolescents. The study was framed by Kuhlthau's Information Search Process model and the construct of metacognition. Analysis: Data analysis used the words and actions of the participants to tell the story of their journey through the information search process. Results: The study found that talk was used as a metacognitive strategy to help clarify thinking and that the talk strategy was more likely to be implemented face-to-face with trusted family and friends, than with the class teacher and college librarian or even social media. Conclusions: There is a strong social component attached to metacognitive knowledge during the information search process. Face-to-face social processes during information seeking are an important consideration in the design of library and information systems and services for young people. Utilizing the social component of metacognitive knowledge to its maximum benefit is an important lesson that needs to be taught to young people. (Contains 1 table.)
The Cool and Belkin Faceted Classification of Information Interactions Revisited
Author: Huvila, Isto
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Classification,Information Seeking,Models

Introduction: The complexity of human information activity is a challenge for both practice and research in information sciences and information management. Literature presents a wealth of approaches to analytically structure and make sense of human information activity including a faceted classification model of information interactions published by Cool and Belkin in 2002, which is discussed in this paper. Method: The Cool and Belkin classification scheme and the version adopted by Huvila in 2006 for a study of archaeologists are compared and new qualitative empirical interview material is analysed by using the latter version of the scheme. Analysis: Literature studies and qualitative analysis of interview material was carried out. Results: The discussed revisions proposed in the present study and earlier by Huvila broaden the scope of the classification system from information seeking to the broad scope of information activity and from description of interaction instances to their contexts. Conclusions: It is important to consider the consequences of classifying information interactions, to balance between complexity and simplicity and to consider when it is significant to strive for complexity of classifications and when a generic level of description is enough. (Contains 4 tables.)
A Case of Social Scholarship for Multi-Player Research in Government Information Sources
Author: Rabina, Debbie
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Group Activities,Research Projects,Student Research,Government Publications,Information Sources,Graduate Students,Library Education,Public Policy,Legislators,Speeches,Case Studies

Introduction: This paper presents the results of an experiment in using participatory research methods in a classroom among ten students taking an advanced master's level course in library and information science. The project goals were motivated by the course content, an advanced course in research using official government documents. Method: Ten graduate students taking an advanced course in towards a Master of Library and Information Science, collaborated as a group on the research project in the area of government policies. Data of the collaborative aspect of the project was collected through oral student feedback and classroom observation. Results: Through the combination of collaborative online work and the use of both print and digital resources, the students identified the evidence for statements made by the late Senator Edward Kennedy in a number of speeches in 1980. Conclusion: Two emerging theories of scholarship and research in digital environments provide a theoretical justification for the need to social scholarship. The first is 'critical information studies" and the second is "digital methods".
The Nature of Information Science: Changing Models
Author: Robinson, Lyn
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Information Science,Intellectual Disciplines,Models,Statistical Analysis,Qualitative Research,Theories

Introduction: This paper considers the nature of information science as a discipline and profession. Method: It is based on conceptual analysis of the information science literature, and consideration of philosophical perspectives, particularly those of Kuhn and Peirce. Results: It is argued that information science may be understood as a field of study, with human recorded information as its concern, focusing on the components of the information chain, studied through the perspective of domain analysis, in specific or general contexts. A particular aspect of interest is those aspects of information organization, and of human information-related behaviour, which are invariant to changes in technology. Information science can also be seen as a science of evaluation of information, understood as semantic content with respect to qualitative growth of knowledge and change in knowledge structures in domains. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of the unique "academic territory" of information science, a discipline with an identity distinct from adjoining subjects. (Contains 1 figure.)
Standardised Library Instruction Assessment: An Institution-Specific Approach
Author: Staley, Shannon M.
Date: 2010-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Library Instruction,Information Literacy,Student Evaluation,Student Surveys,Undergraduate Students,Psychometrics,Pretests Posttests,Program Improvement

Introduction: We explore the use of a psychometric model for locally-relevant, information literacy assessment, using an online tool for standardised assessment of student learning during discipline-based library instruction sessions. Method: A quantitative approach to data collection and analysis was used, employing standardised multiple-choice survey questions followed by individual, cognitive interviews with undergraduate students. The assessment tool was administered to five general education psychology classes during library instruction sessions. Analysis: Descriptive statistics were generated by the assessment tool. Results: The assessment tool proved a feasible means of measuring student learning. While student scores improved on every survey question, there was uneven improvement from pre-test to post-test for different questions. Conclusion: Student scores showed more improvement for some learning outcomes over others, thus, spending time on fewer concepts during instruction sessions would enable more reliable evaluation of student learning. We recommend using digital learning objects that address basic research skills to enhance library instruction programmes. Future studies will explore different applications of the assessment tool, provide more detailed statistical analysis of the data and shed additional light on the significance of overall scores. (Contains 2 tables.)
Usability Testing and Redesign of Library Web Pages at Lund University, Faculty of Engineering: A Case Study Applying a Two-Phase, Systematic Quality Approach
Author: Persson, Ann-Christin
Date: 2010-06-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Usability,Web Sites,Design,Academic Libraries,Engineering Education,College Students,College Faculty,Use Studies,Case Studies,Foreign Countries

Introduction: The Lund University Faculty of Engineering's LibQual+[R] survey 2007 showed that students and faculty had difficulties finding the information they needed at the libraries' Websites. To be able to improve the Websites, we needed to find out how the users navigated the Websites, as well as what content they needed. Method: Twenty-four students and faculty members were filmed and audio-taped while performing tasks with the Websites as tools. Analysis: The films were analysed according to the search path the participants used (usefulness) and the time each task took (effectiveness). The participants' perception of ease of use and finding what they need on the Websites were also analysed. Results: The results show that students want to search for books without having to use the catalogue and that they like graphic-based Web pages, which stand out from the rest of Lund University's Website. Faculty members scroll for links and do not want informative texts; rather they want more of a local connection such as lists of publications from the department and suggestions of what journals to publish in. Conclusions: The usability study clearly showed what worked and what did not work on the three Websites and provided an insight into the different needs of our user groups. It led to a complete rethinking and redesign of the Websites. (Contains 6 figures and 3 tables.)