Plan: Developing a Search Strategy

Plan is the third pillar in the SCONUL Seven Pillars of Information Literacy. It means developing a strategy for finding information before beginning the full search. A student who plans does not simply type random words into a search engine. The student thinks about keywords, source types, search tools, and possible ways to improve the search.

Planning comes after Identify and Scope. First, the learner recognizes an information need. Then the learner decides what kind of information is needed. After that, the learner plans how to find it.

Definition

A simple classroom definition is:

Plan means deciding how to search for information before collecting sources.

Planning is important because a search can fail even when information exists. Students may use weak keywords, search in the wrong place, ignore useful source types, or stop after one poor result.

For example, a student researching “online safety” may search only the words:

online safety

This may give millions of results. A planned search may use more specific terms:

online privacy tips for students

cyberbullying prevention school guide

safe password habits teenagers

The planned search is more likely to produce useful results because the student has thought about the question and the type of information needed.

Parts of a Search Strategy

A search strategy is a plan for finding information. It usually includes several decisions.

This kind of planning makes searching more purposeful.

Keywords and Search Terms

Keywords are the main words used in a search. Good keywords usually come from the research question.

For example:

Research question: How does social media affect students’ study habits?

Possible keywords:

• social media
• study habits
• students
• attention
• homework
• academic performance
• screen time

Students should also think of synonyms and related terms. Search engines and databases may use different words for similar ideas.

Changing keywords can improve search results. If a search gives poor results, students should not immediately give up. They should revise the terms.

Search Operators

Search operators are simple commands or symbols that help control a search. Students do not need advanced searching for every task, but a few operators are useful.

These tools are useful when results are too broad or when the student needs a specific kind of source.

For example, if a student needs official information from UNESCO, searching site:unesco.org media literacy is more focused than searching only media literacy.

Choosing Search Tools

Planning also includes deciding where to search. A general search engine is useful, but it is not always the best tool.

Students should understand that different tools produce different kinds of results. A search engine may give quick access, but a library database may provide more academic sources. A video platform may explain a topic visually, but it may also contain weak or misleading content.

Revising the Search Plan

A good search strategy can change. If students do not find useful information, they should revise the plan.

They can ask:

• Are my keywords too broad?
• Are my keywords too narrow?
• Am I using the right source type?
• Should I use a synonym?
• Should I search an official website?
• Should I check a book or database?
• Do I need more recent information?
• Is my research question unclear?

For example, the search technology students is too broad. The student can improve it by adding focus:

educational technology student engagement secondary school

If results are too academic or difficult, the student can search:

educational technology student engagement explained

Planning and revision work together. Students often improve their search strategy after seeing initial results.

Classroom Meaning

Teachers can help students practise the Plan pillar before research tasks. Instead of sending students directly to search online, teachers can ask them to complete a search plan.

This short planning activity can prevent weak research. It also allows the teacher to identify problems early.

For example, if a student’s keywords are too vague, the teacher can help refine them before the student wastes time searching.

ICT Connection

ICT makes searching faster, but speed can create carelessness. Students may type one phrase, open the first result, and copy information without judging its quality. The Plan pillar slows the process down and makes ICT use more thoughtful.

ICT tools that support search planning include:

• search engines
• library catalogues
• academic databases
• digital libraries
• bookmarks
• note-taking tools
• search history
• cloud folders
• citation tools
• AI tools used carefully for brainstorming keywords

AI tools may help students brainstorm search terms or narrow a topic, but they should not replace source checking. Students still need to search, evaluate, and verify information using reliable sources.

Flashcard

What does Plan mean in the SCONUL model?

Tap to reveal

Answer

Plan means developing a search strategy by choosing keywords, source types, search tools, and methods for finding relevant information and data.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to search without a strategy. This often leads to irrelevant results and wasted time.

Another mistake is to use only one keyword. Broad keywords such as “technology,” “education,” or “pollution” usually produce too many results. Students should combine terms to make the search more focused.

A third mistake is to stop after poor results. Poor results do not always mean there is no information. They may mean the search terms or search tool need to change.

A fourth mistake is to use only a general search engine. Some tasks require books, academic articles, official reports, databases, or teacher-approved resources.

The Plan pillar helps students become strategic searchers. It teaches them to think before searching, choose better keywords, select suitable tools, and revise their approach when needed.