Towards searching as a learning process: A review of current perspectives and future directions

• Published in: Journal of information science Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 19 - 34
• Main Authors: Rieh, Soo Young, Collins-Thompson, Kevyn, Hansen, Preben, Lee, Hye-Jung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-02-2016; Bowker-Saur Ltd
• Subjects: Assessment of learning in searching; Distance learning; expertise modelling; Formulations; Information science; Information seeking behavior; Information systems; Learning; Literacy; Literature reviews; Reviewing; Search process; Searches; Searching; searching as learning; Studies; web searching behaviour; searching as learning; expertise modelling; Assessment of learning in searching; web searching behaviour
• ISSN: 0165-5515; 1741-6485; 1741-6485
• DOI: 10.1177/0165551515615841

We critically review literature on the association between searching and learning and contribute to the formulation of a research agenda for searching as learning. The paper begins by reviewing current literature that tends to characterize search systems as tools for learning. We then present a perspective on searching as learning that focuses on the learning that occurs during the search process, as well as search outputs and learning outcomes. The concept of ‘comprehensive search’ is proposed to describe iterative, reflective and integrative search sessions that facilitate critical and creative learning beyond receptive learning. We also discuss how search interaction data can provide a rich source of implicit and explicit features through which to assess search-related learning. In conclusion, we summarize opportunities and challenges for future research with respect to four agendas: developing a search system that supports sense-making and enhances learning; supporting effective user interaction for searching as learning; providing an inquiry-based literacy tool within a search system; and assessing learning from online searching behaviour.