Which approach is likely to most effectively promote development of students' information literacy skills?

The answer focuses on designing real-world activities that apply targeted skills because this approach directly connects information literacy to practical application. When students are engaged in activities that mimic real-world scenarios, they are more likely to see the relevance of their learning. This relevance can motivate them to actively engage with information resources, think critically about sources, and make informed decisions—key components of information literacy.

By applying the skills they learn in authentic contexts, students are able to practice not just retrieval and understanding of information but also evaluation and synthesis of that information. For instance, working on a project that involves researching a current event ties information literacy skills to their daily lives, making the learning experience meaningful and memorable.

Other strategies, while valuable, may not provide the same level of engagement. For instance, while weekly demonstrations of skills can reinforce learning, they may not offer students the opportunity to explore these skills in context. Similarly, independent practice in a classroom center can supplement learning but might lack the motivational element that comes from real-world application. Lastly, small group instruction can be beneficial, particularly for targeted support, but it may not provide the immersive, contextual experiences that significantly enhance students' ability to utilize information literacy on their own.