Gavilán Model: what it is and how it is applied to solve problems

Search for information and different ways to solve a problem it is something that living things constantly need to do in order to survive. This also extends to the human being, who is also characterized by having developed a society in which problems are not limited to immediate aspects related to with survival but in the generation of different methods to solve abstract and complex problems (labour, social, logical or scientific aspects for example).

This 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, an example of which is the so-called Gavilán model, which we are going to talk about throughout this article.

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The Gavilán model: an information search methodology

The name of the Gavilán model is given 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 education).

The model in question seeks, on the one hand, to provide guidance to students regarding the methodology to be used when searching for information in order to be able to give as well as stimulate competition and mastery over the fact of locating, selecting and using the information.

This model was prepared by the Gabriel Piedrahita Uribe Foundation (The name Gavilán comes from the nickname given to this young man in childhood, who died at the age of 22 in a plane crash and shortly before graduating from Harvard as a teacher) given the difficulties that were observed in other educational models when it comes to getting students to carry out exhaustive and quality information searches in such a way that they offer guidance and allow teachers to develop activities that allow the student to know a specific methodology to search for reliable information in the most optimal way possible.

The Gavilán model is a simple and easily understandable model at the various ages in which it is usually applied, dedicated to the search for information regarding very specific issues and problems and 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 demand answers.

its phases

As we have previously mentioned, the Gavilán model consists of a series of four steps or phases focused on the search and collection of information, each of them having different sub-steps inside itself.

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 for 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 the. 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 is need to do is define and delimit the problem or topic on which you want to investigate or that requires a solution. This is how they seek to learn to identify what they are working on, what the objective is and what they may need to get to it.

Within this step we must first ask a specific question, delimiting the topic or aspect to be worked on 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. are based on this and the difficulties that the fulfillment of its objectives or resolution of the problem may entail. investigate.

After that, it will be necessary for the subject to generate a series of possible pathways or processes that he can follow to obtain the information and the aspects of the question that can provide information to solve it. In other words, draw up a research plan.

During the elaboration of this plan, secondary questions will arise that, deep down, will provide more precise information about what we want to know and will allow us to have a more accurate and precise on the topic.

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2. Search and evaluate information

Once you have located what needs to be investigated 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, assessing which could be the most appropriate and valid and the type of information they can obtain from them.

A second step would be to enter these sources of information or those that are available (since they do not access to them is always possible, especially), and proceed to search in them the type of information that is would need.

Once this is done and noting the font type and its content The aim is for the student to be able to consider whether or not the source itself is reliable and valid.

3. Analyze the information

Although the previous step focused more on finding, accessing and evaluating the sources, in this third step the work will be carried out directly with the information itself. Aspects such as the critical assessment of the information, the use of resources or the search for coherence in the information will be worked on.

In the first place, the subject will have to proceed to read the information present in the previously valued sources and analyze what of that information fits the opening question or subquestions.

Once this is 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 if a deeper, exhaustive exploration may be necessary or through other sources. You must not only read it but also understand it and give it meaning.

Subsequently, with this information, an attempt will be made to answer the secondary questions, transforming the information based on what the subject has understood about it and its relationship with the questions made.

4. Synthesize the information and use it

The last step of this model focuses on, having the information already extracted, generating content or giving a real answer to the initial questions or problems. Aspects such as the endowment of meaning, the understanding of what is explored and the capacity for both synthesis and application of what has been analyzed.

Initially it will be necessary, having already answered the secondary questions that arose during the elaboration of the intervention plan, synthesize them and generate an answer to the main question that led to the process of investigation.

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 the understanding and mastery of it.

A very useful model

The Gavilán model is relatively recent, but we are before a simple and easily applicable model.

In addition to this, it allows students to improve their skills in the search for and handling of different types of information, something 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 to other sources, or outdated.

This is applicable to all types of research process, especially in the educational field but not limited to it (although an investigation generally requires a much more demanding process, for example, when validating the data).

Bibliographic references

• Canchica de Medina, M. (2016). Gavilán model for the development of skills in information management through Google drive. An innovative experience. Academy and Virtuality Magazine, 9, (2), 10-26.
• Eduteka (2007). Gavilan 2.0 model. A proposal for the development of the competence to manage information (CMI).[Online]. Available in: http://www.eduteka. org/pdfdir/ModeloGavilan.pdf [Accessed January 25, 2018].
• Gonzalez, L. and Sanchez, B. (2007). Guide to use the Gavilan Model in the classroom. [On-line]. Available at: www.eduteka.org/modulos/1/1/.