Gavilan model: what it is and how it is applied to solve problems
Search information and different ways to solve a problem it is something that living beings need to constantly do in order to survive. This also extends to the human being, who is also characterized for having developed a society in which the problems are not limited to immediate aspects related to survival but in the generation of different methods to solve abstract and complex problems (labor, social aspects, logical or scientific for example).
That is why from childhood and throughout education it is necessary to stimulate the ability to investigate, search and select information in order to solve certain problems. The methodologies and models used to achieve this stimulation can be multiple, being an example of them called the model Gavilan , which we are going to talk about throughout this article.
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The Gavilán model: an information search methodology
It receives the name of model Gavilán to a methodology consisting of four basic steps that aims to contribute to achieve valid, coherent, logical and rational investigations . It is a methodology born and applied fundamentally in the academic field (both in school and university training).
The model in question seeks on the one hand to provide guidance to students in the face of the methodology to be used when looking for information in order to be able to simultaneously stimulate competence and control over the fact of locating, selecting and using information.
This model It was prepared by the Gabriel Piedrahita Uribe Foundation (The name Gavilán comes from the nickname that was given in childhood to this young man, who died at age 22 in a plane crash and shortly before graduating from Harvard as a teacher) given the difficulties that were observed in other educational models at the time to ensure that the student study carried out exhaustive and quality information searches in a way that offered guidance and allowed teachers to develop activities that allow the student to know a specific methodology to search for reliable information in the best possible way.
The Gavilán model is a simple and easily understandable model in the different ages in which it is usually applied, dedicated to the search of information referring to very specific issues and problems. focused on the collection and analysis of information in itself and not so much of the real resolution of a problem. In other words, this model offers a framework or methodology, but not a solution to the questions that require a response.
Its phases
As we mentioned before, the Gavilán model consists of a series of four steps or phases focused on the search and collection of information, each of them counting with different substeps within each other.
Is about a simple process that can be followed by both students and professionals Although the process is focused on the student or researcher, the model also offers different options to analyze and evaluate the process to the teachers who apply it, being able to carry out evaluations in each of the steps that are part of it. The steps in question would be the following.
1. Define the problem
In the first place, the Gavilán model proposes that in order to carry out a good investigation, the first thing that needs to be done is to define and delimit the problem or issue on which one wants to investigate or that requires a solution. This is how they learn to identify what they are working on, what the objective is and what they may need to do to get there.
In this step we must first ask a specific question, delimiting the topic or aspect that is intended to work or the objectives to be achieved .
Subsequently this question should not only be identified but also analyzed in order to understand what they are looking for, what opinion or ideas they have on the basis of the problem and the difficulties that may involve the fulfillment of their objectives or resolution of the problem to be investigated.
After that, it will be necessary for the subject to generate a series of possible ways or processes that he can follow to obtain the information and the aspects of the question that can provide information to resolve it . In other words, draw up a research plan.
During the elaboration of this plan, secondary questions will arise that, in the end, will provide us with more precise information about what we want to know and allow us to have a more accurate and precise view of the subject.
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2. Search and evaluate information
Once located on what to investigate and planned how we are going to do it, the next step is to take action: start the search for information. The objective of this step of the model is the development of information search skills.
In the first place it will be necessary to identify possible sources of information, evaluating which could be the most indicated and valid and the kind of information they can get from them.
A second step would be to enter those sources of information or those that are available (because access to them is not always possible, especially), and proceed to look at them for the type of information that would be needed.
Once this is done and observing the type of source and its content it is sought that the student is able to consider whether the source itself is reliable or valid.
3. Analyze the information
Although the previous step focused more on finding, accessing and valuing the sources, in this third step the work will be carried out directly with the information to be worked on. We will work on aspects such as the critical assessment of information, the use of resources or the search for coherence in information.
First, the subject will have to proceed to read the information present in the sources previously evaluated and analyze what of that information fits the initial question or the secondary questions .
Once this has been done, a critical analysis of the information that has been extracted must be carried out in order to assess whether it allows the resolution of the problems, or whether a deeper, exhaustive exploration or through other sources may be necessary. Not only should you read but also understand and give it meaning.
Later, with this information, secondary questions will be answered, transforming the information based on what the subject has understood about it and its relation to the questions asked.
4. Synthesize the information and use it
The last step of this model focuses on having the information already extracted, generate content or give a real answer to questions or initial problems. We work on aspects such as the provision of meaning, the understanding of what explored and the capacity for both synthesis and application of the analyzed .
Initially it will be necessary, having already answered the secondary questions that arose during the elaboration of the intervention plan, to synthesize them and generate an answer for the main question that led to the research process.
After having this answer we should be able to apply it in concrete situations, generating a product or using it to solve the basic problem (even if it is at a theoretical level).
Finally, taking into account that the Gavilán model is focused on research, the last step will be to explain, express or record the results of the process. It is a step that lets others see the existence of real research and understanding and mastery of it.
A very useful model
The Gavilan model is relatively recent, but we are facing a simple and easily applicable model .
In addition, it allows students to improve their skills in the search and handling of information of different types, which is essential in a computerized society (this model was created taking into account the high presence of information and communication technologies) and with access to a huge volume of information sources, many of which are unreliable, contradictory with other sources or outdated.
This is applicable to all types of research process , especially in the educational field but not adhering to it (although a scientific investigation usually requires a much more demanding process for example when validating the data).
Bibliographic references
- Cánchica de Medina, M. (2016). Gavilán model for the development of skills in the management of information through Google drive. An innovative experience. Academia and Virtuality Magazine, 9, (2), 10-26.
- Eduteka (2007). Model Gavilán 2.0. A proposal for the development of the competence to manage information (CMI). [Online]. Available at: //www.eduteka. org / pdfdir / ModeloGavilan.pdf [Accessed January 25, 2018].
- González, L. and Sánchez, B. (2007). Guide to use the Gavilan Model in the classroom. [On-line]. Available at: www.eduteka.org/modulos/1/1/.
