Information Literacy and Adult Learners: Using Authentic Assessment to Determine Skill Gaps

Citation for published article

Rapchak, M. E., Lewis, L. A., Motyka, J. K., & Balmert, M. (2015). Information literacy and adult learners: Using authentic assessment to determine skill gaps. Adult Learning, 26(4), 135- 142. doi:10.1177/1045159515594155

DOI

10.1177/1045159515594155

Authors

Marcia E. Rapchak, Duquesne UniversityFollow
Leslie A. Lewis
Julie K. Motyka
Margaret Balmert

Peer Reviewed

1

Document Type

Article

School

Gumberg Library

Abstract

Information literacy (IL) skills are essential for adult learners in higher education, especially those unfamiliar with information systems. Citing a lack of literature assessing such skills in adult learners, this article examines the IL abilities of adult learners in an information literacy course. Using a rubric and annotated bibliographies from study participants, the authors rank the IL abilities of adult students. Similar to studies assessing IL skills in traditional undergraduates, the authors found adult students struggled to articulate their evaluations of sources. The authors make recommendations for improving IL instruction for adults and suggest future research.

Rights

© SAGE Publications

Repository Citation

Rapchak, M. E., Lewis, L. A., Motyka, J. K., & Balmert, M. (2015). Information Literacy and Adult Learners: Using Authentic Assessment to Determine Skill Gaps. Adult Learning. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045159515594155