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Teaching Information Retrieval Through Problem-Based Learning

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Book cover Teaching and Learning in Information Retrieval

Part of the book series: The Information Retrieval Series ((INRE,volume 31))

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Abstract

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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Information and Library Studies, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Clare Thornley

Authors
  1. Clare Thornley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Clare Thornley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Washington, Seattle, 98195-2840, Washington, USA

    Efthimis Efthimiadis

  2. , Departamento de Ciencias de la, Universidad de Granada, C/ Periodista Daniel Saucedo Aranda, s/n., Granada, 18071, Spain

    Juan M. Fernández-Luna

  3. , Departamento de Ciencias de la, Universidad de Granada, C/ Periodista Daniel Saucedo Aranda, s/n., Granada, 18071, Spain

    Juan F. Huete

  4. , Department of Information Science, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, United Kingdom

    Andrew MacFarlane

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Thornley, C. (2011). Teaching Information Retrieval Through Problem-Based Learning. In: Efthimiadis, E., Fernández-Luna, J., Huete, J., MacFarlane, A. (eds) Teaching and Learning in Information Retrieval. The Information Retrieval Series, vol 31. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22511-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22511-6_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-22510-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-22511-6

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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