We explain the difference between accurate and inaccurate information so that students can judge for themselves if the information is accurate and reliable. We explain the difference between complete and incomplete information so that students will know if the information is useful. Students should be taught to state at least one question that will help focus their information needs. We teach our students to focus their learning skills by stating one broad question and one narrow question that will define their information needs. We teach them to change and revise their questions as their searching process continues by revising and editing as their question during their search process. They are taught to go beyond straightforward "fact finding" and to do in depth searching and thinking (ALA, 1998, p. 11). Students need to be taught that information can be found from a variety of sources. We teach our students to brainstorm a list of possible sources before starting to do any research. .
Students need to identify all possible sources, not just the Internet. Students should develop strategies for finding a variety of informational sources to fill their needs. This includes print, nonprint, and electronic sources, as well as, primary and secondary sources (ALA, 1998, p.11). Students need to develop and use strategies for locating information (ALA, 1998, p.11). This would include making a basic list of some ideas for how to identify and find needed information. Our students are taught to make a plan and organize their informational needs and how to access the information they need. We teach our students how to research and find the facts they need by doing projects in class. Students need to be able to evaluate information critically and competently (ALA, 1998, p. 14). We teach our students to compare and contrast sources on the topic they have chosen to determine which sources are the most accurate and relevant.
