In the information world in which we live, sources abound but may not always be credible. Thus it is imperative to teach students how to evaluate the quality of information found.
This objective includes tasks related to the evaluation of quality and to the relevance of sources of information according to six specific criteria: validity, reliability, currency, credibility, point of view and objectivity. These criteria are applicable to both arguments and sources, to the author and editor as well as to its content.
Students use criteria and observe clues that will allow them to evaluate the quality and pertinence of sources found. They select and/or sort sources to keep only those applicable to the assignment or for making the right decisions.
It is worth noting that social validation can be of use for certain circumstances as it brings an additional element to one’s critical judgement.
Different forms of critical evaluation of sources, such as a criterion-based evaluation, can be elements of evaluation of achieving this objective.
To complete this objective, students can use the following tools:
In a world where sources of information are abundant, mastering tasks related to this objective is essential in all disciplines. In all cases, completing this objective leads to decisions on sorting.
Depending on the discipline and the topic chosen, the relevance of each criteria and how they are used to evaluate the information can vary.
Discussions between peers will encourage the development of critical thinking, thus refining the ability to evaluate the quality of the information found.
This task allows the assessment of the quality of the information found using criteria related to its content.
Students will express an opinion on the quality of the information found using three criteria. They observe clues in the sources of information that allow them to evaluate:
To develop and demonstrate their mastering of this task, students can produce the following:
To complete this task, students may use the following tools:
In the Health Science domain, specific criteria are used to define the validity of clinical trials and systematic reviews.
Depending on the discipline and chosen topic, the currency of the information is either a criteria that is very determinant or of little interest.
This task deepens the validation of the quality of the information found, using criteria related to the people or groups who have written or published the information.
Students will assess the quality of the information found using three criteria. They observe, in the sources of information, clues allowing them to evaluate:
To develop and demonstrate their mastering of this task, students can produce the following elements:
To complete this task, students can use the following tools:
In Natural Sciences, the point of view is less evident while this criterion is fundamental in Social Science.
It is important that students make a distinction between texts that are mostly composed of opinions, facts or analyses.
