Teaching Information Retrieval Through Problem-Based Learning

This chapter provides a perspective on a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching information retrieval (IR) theory, techniques, and practice at under- and postgraduate levels. The educational philosophy of PBL is outlined, and its pertinence to addressing the challenges of teaching IR in terms of both the diverse nature of the subject and also of the students is discussed. It is argued that teaching IR as a solution to a problem (access to information) and as a problem (how can we organize information in IR systems so it can be accessed) provides an engaging and challenging way to teach it to a range of students. It also draws connections between IR theory and techniques and relates IR to other disciplines through showing how similar problems are faced in other subjects. Some specific examples of teaching exercises based on PBL are provided with a discussion and reflection on their effectiveness. Finally assessment and feedback from students are discussed.

[1]  David Ellis,et al.  Progress and problems in information retrieval , 1996 .

[2]  Frances C. Johnson.  On the relation of search and engines , 2008 .

[3]  Peter Ingwersen,et al.  The Turn - Integration of Information Seeking and Retrieval in Context , 2005, The Kluwer International Series on Information Retrieval.

[4]  Peter Ingwersen,et al.  Information Retrieval Interaction , 1992 .

[5]  Esa Poikela,et al.  Understanding problem-based learning , 2006 .

[6]  Pertti Vakkari,et al.  Information retrieval curricula; contexts and perspectives , 2007 .

[7]  L. Wittgenstein.  Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus , 2021, Nordic Wittgenstein Review.

[8]  Michael K. Buckland,et al.  Information and information systems , 1991 .

[9]  D. C. Blair,et al.  Language and Representation in Information Retrieval , 1990 .

[10]  David Bawden,et al.  Forgotten and undiscovered knowledge , 2004, J. Documentation.

[11]  Forbes Gibb,et al.  A dialectical approach to information retrieval , 2007, J. Documentation.

[12]  Clare Thornley.  Teaching information retrieval (IR) as a philosophical problem , 2008 .

[13]  S. Benford,et al.  Acknowledgements , 1966 .

[14]  Gareth J. F. Jones,et al.  An inquiry-based learning approach to teaching information retrieval , 2009, Information Retrieval.

[15]  Michael McGill,et al.  Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval , 1983 .

[16]  Forbes Gibb,et al.  Meaning in philosophy and meaning in information retrieval (IR) , 2009, J. Documentation.

[17]  Joseph Dunne,et al.  Back to the rough ground , 1992 .

[18]  David C. Blair,et al.  Wittgenstein, Language and Information: "Back to the Rough Ground!" , 2006, CoLIS.

[19]  J. Biggs,et al.  Teaching For Quality Learning At University , 1999 .

[20]  David C. Blair,et al.  Wittgenstein, Language and Information , 2006 .