Promoting Information Literacy of Pre-Medical Students through Project-Based Learning: A Pilot Study

• Published in: International journal of education and literacy studies Vol. 5; no. 4; pp. 1 - 15
• Main Authors: Saliba, Reya, Mussleman, Paul, Fernandes, Melanie, Bendriss, Rachid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Footscray Australian International Academic Centre PTY. Ltd (AIAC) 31.10.2017; Australian International Academic Centre PTY, LTD
• Subjects: Active Learning; Arabic language; Blended learning; Critical Thinking; Educational activities; English for Academic Purposes; Focus Groups; Foreign Countries; Information Literacy; Learning Activities; Librarian Teacher Cooperation; Literacy; Medical Education; Medical students; Metacognition; Mixed Methods Research; Premedical Students; Role; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Semitic Languages; Student Projects; Students; Studies; Surveys; Teachers; Teaching methods; Qatar
• ISSN: 2202-9478; 2202-9478
• DOI: 10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.5n.4p.1

This study describes the implementation of information literacy (IL) skills through the use of the project-based learning (PjBL) method in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. Participants were Arabic speaking students enrolled in the Foundation Program that prepares them for the premedical curriculum in a U.S. medical   college in the State of Qatar. A mixed methods approach consisting of a survey, three focus groups, and instructors' observations was used to gather the needed data. The results showed a significant increase in students' advanced research skills. This study emphasizes the benefit of using the PjBL method to develop students' IL skills. It also reinforces the vital role of faculty-librarian partnership in designing learning activities that engage students, foster their critical thinking, and develop their metacognitive skills.