EXPLORING THE SEARCHING SKILL SET: INFORMATION LITERACY CHALLENGES AMONG MOROCCAN ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS

Authors

  • Idabdallah Abdelhadi American Cultural Association, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejals.v8i3.653

Keywords:

information literacy, searching skills, higher education, Moroccan universities, English departments, curriculum development

Abstract

In today’s digital age, searching for credible and relevant information is a core aspect of academic success. This study explores the searching skill set as one component of information literacy amongst undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in the Moroccan English departments. By using data collected through the Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills, the known acronym of which is SAILS test, the research investigates the performance of students in order to pinpoint weaknesses and highlight potential instructional gaps. The findings indicate that while students demonstrate basic familiarity with online search tools, many struggle with advanced search strategies, such as refining queries, using subject-specific databases, and evaluating search results. These weaknesses suggest a disconnection between students' digital behaviors and the academic search competencies required at the university level. The study underscores the need for integrating structured information literacy instruction into English studies curricula, with a particular emphasis on search strategy development. By identifying specific areas of weakness, this research aims to inform curriculum designers and policymakers seeking to align higher education practices with the demands of digital scholarship. Ultimately, improving students’ search skills is essential not only for academic achievement but also for enabling lifelong learning and informed digital citizenship.

Author Biography

  • Idabdallah Abdelhadi, American Cultural Association, Morocco
    Abdelhadi Idabdallah holds a Doctorate in Applied Linguistics with a research focus on Information Literacy in Higher Education. He is currently an English teacher and researcher based in Morocco. His academic interests include digital literacy, higher education pedagogy, and the integration of information literacy in language curricula. Dr. Idabdallah has coordinated community service and academic programs with the American Language Center and has published work on research strategy development and digital academic skills.

References

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Published

2025-10-14

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Articles

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