AWARENESS AND USE OF INFORMATION SEARCH STRATEGIES FORLEARNING ACTIVITIES BY DIPLOMA STUDENTS IN AHMADU BELLOUNIVERSITY, ZARIA

Abstract

The study investigated the Awareness and Use of Information Search Strategies for Learning Activities by
Diploma Students in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The objectives are to determine the extent to which Diploma
Students are aware of information search strategies for learning activities in the Institute of Education, Ahmadu
Bello University, Zaria and to identify the information search strategies that Diploma Students use for learning
activities. Quantitative research methodology was adopted and cross-sectional survey research design was used
for the study, the population of the study comprised of all two hundred and fourty-one (241) diploma students in
Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2023/2024 academic session, one hundred and thirtytwo (132) were used as sample size, while one hundred and four (104) where fully retrieved and used for data
analysis using simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection.
Descriptive statistical tools (Frequency distribution and percentage) were used. The study found that diploma
students at the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, demonstrate a clear awareness pattern
characterised by positive awareness on phrase searching, keyword searching, Boolean operators, database/source
selection, and subject heading searching. Also, the actual utilisation of information search strategies mirrors the
awareness patterns, with students predominantly employing basic techniques including phrase searching, keyword
searching, and Boolean operators. The study concluded that diploma students at the Institute of Education,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, demonstrate adequate awareness and usage of basic search strategies like phrase
searching and keyword searching, but show significant deficits in understanding and applying advanced
techniques such as field-specific searching, citation chaining, and search query refinement. It was recommended
that the Institute of Education should develop and implement a scaffolded information literacy curriculum that
systematically builds students' search strategy competencies from foundational techniques during orientation
through intermediate strategies in early courses to sophisticated approaches in upper-level coursework across the
diploma program duration. The university library should establish an embedded librarian program that assigns
dedicated information professionals to research-intensive diploma courses, enabling regular classroom presence,
course-integrated instruction, and accessible one-on-one consultation opportunities to address the extremely low
utilisation of expert/librarian consultation.