Progress testing of information literacy versus information literacy self-efficacy in medical students

Abstract

Progress testing is a common assessment tool within medical schools. A similar assessment tool, the “Progress Test of Information Literacy” (PTIL) has been created. To become an information literate person, information literacy selfefficacy (ILSE) is a meaningful part and important to evaluate. In this study, every PTIL-item has been mapped with an item of the 38-ILSE scale. Even though the mapping turned out to be delicate and context related, the results of this study suggests a relation between PTIL and specific ILSE items. Students of the first two medical years scored better for certain PTIL questions compared to students in the last years. In addition, students from year 1 were less certain about their answers. Once extra-integrated IL courses were organized, students were much more certain about their answers. Integrated and repeated IL-courses are necessary throughout the whole curriculum.