Resource-based learning is the achievement of both subject and information literacy objectives through exposure to and practise with diverse resources. Students become active learners as they use a wide range of materials to investigate subject material prescribed within their classroom curriculum. Teachers and librarians become motivators and facilitators in the learning process and provide the initial subject impetus which drives students to seek information and become creative problem-solvers. The end result is that a "learning culture" is fostered as a climate of active and productive learning is encouraged within the school.
Two essential features of resource-based learning are its flexibility in terms of adaptability to different learning styles and subject areas, and its promotion of student autonomy. Students develop information literacy skills through formal and informal practise with tasks requiring information from an array of resources. Use of multi-media teaching aids by the teacher does not qualify as resource-based learning. It is students who must work with resources to learn about topics through their experience of problem solving as they piece together information strands to formulate meaningful knowledge about a subject. Increased autonomy results when students have opportunities to identify what they know about a topic and what they need to learn; where to look for information; how to record information as notes; how to evaluate information; and how to assess their success with the information-seeking process.
Resource-based learning involves active participation with multiple resources (books, journals, newspapers, multi-media, Web, community, people) where students are motivated to learn about a topic by trying to find information on it in as many ways and places as possible. Encouraging students to direct their information pursuits adds to the sense of ownership of learning, self-confidence, and reinforcement of information-gathering patterns when an information goal is achieved. Resource-based learning is student- centred and operates on the premise that students learn by doing and making meaning as individuals. This learning experience mimics real life in targeting the learner as the routine information hunter and interpreter who constructs knowledge by problem solving with information tools.
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