Three Specific Uses of Prior Knowledge in Open-Web Searching and Reading

• In Event: Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Literacy Issues and Practices in Secondary Classrooms

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the uses of prior knowledge in open-web searching and reading. Twelve first-year college students participated in this case study. The analyses of students’ think-aloud protocols, online searching/reading videos, concept maps, and interview and survey responses indicate that prior knowledge serves as the fundamental factor in orienting students’ online searching and reading, rather than the task or web content. Three specific uses of prior knowledge in open-web searching and reading were identified: using prior knowledge as provisional references, using prior knowledge as anchors, using prior knowledge as springboards. Specific reading/searching patterns and decision making processes for each type of prior knowledge use were described.

Authors

• Jinjie Zheng, Michigan State University

• Douglas K. Hartman, Michigan State University