What To Use?

Worksheet Description

The worksheet titled “Using Reference Tools” is designed to help students understand and select the appropriate reference tools for various types of information needs. It features a series of questions that prompt students to choose between two or more reference options, such as a dictionary, an atlas, an encyclopedia, a thesaurus, or an internet search engine. For each question, students must circle the tool that best suits the information required—if both options are suitable, they are instructed to circle both.

This educational activity encourages students to think about the specific purpose of each reference tool, such as locating a country, finding the meaning of a word, or identifying a synonym. It also introduces them to the concept of using multiple resources to gather information. The worksheet includes nine different scenarios, each focusing on a unique information-seeking situation. This tool is ideal for teaching information literacy skills in an academic setting. By completing the worksheet, students learn to efficiently navigate resources, a crucial skill for research and inquiry in both their academic and future professional lives. The inclusion of illustrations related to learning and reference materials adds a visual appeal that may engage students and underscore the theme of the exercise.