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A process approach to information, technology and research.

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The Big 6

The Big 6 was developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz.
It is the most widely-known and widely-used approach to teaching information and technology skills in the world.
The Big6 integrates information search and use skills along with technology tools in a systematic process to find, use, apply, and evaluate information to specific needs and tasks.

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1. Task Definition

Define the information problem.
Identify the information needed in order to complete the task.

What am I supposed to do?
What information do I need in order to do this?

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1. Task Definition (Example)

First, I have to determine my task.
My assignment is to do an oral presentation about a character from Greek Mythology.
I choose to do a PowerPoint presentation about Poseidon.

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1. Task Definition (Example)

Second, I must determine what kind of information I need to complete my task.
What are some potential questions I might ask about Poseidon.

Who was Poseidon?
Who were his parents and siblings?
Where did he live?
What did he do?
Did he have any unique characteristics?

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2. Information Seeking Strategies

Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)
Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)

What are the possible sources?
Which are the best?

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2. Information Seeking Strategies (Example)

Where can I find information about Poseidon?

Textbook
Internet
Electronic Databases
Books
Teacher
Librarian
Magazines/Periodicals

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2. Information Seeking Strategies (Example)

Which of these sources are my best options to find information on Poseidon?
Use books, electronic databases like UDLibsearch and some Internet sites for historical topics.
Use magazines, periodicals, and some Internet sites for current events.

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3. Location and Access

Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
Find information within sources

Where is each source?
Where is the information in each source?

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3. Location and Access (Example)

Where can I find the sources I have identified?

School Library
Public Library
Personal Library
Classroom Resources
Computers/Internet

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3. Location and Access (Example)

If I use the Internet, a database or library catalog, what are the best keywords for me to use?

Poseidon
Greek Mythology
Mythology, Greek

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4. Use of Information

Engage (read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source
Extract relevant information from a source

How can I best use each source?
What information is each source is useful?

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4. Use of Information (Example)

Now that I have found my information, what am I going to do with it?

Take notes on note cards
Take notes on notebook paper
Take notes using a word processor
Take notes using a graphic organizer
Use a tape recorder, video or digital camera

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5. Synthesis

Organize information from multiple sources
Present the information

How can I organize all the information?
How can I present the result?

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5. Synthesis (Example)

Once I have all my information, how will I present my final results? (Remember the task definition in Big6 #1)

Written Paper
Oral Presentation with Visual Aids (Posters, Models, Costumes, etc.)
Multimedia Presentation (PowerPoint)
Performance

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6. Evaluation

Judge the product (effectiveness)
Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency)

Is the task completed?
How can I do things better?

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6. Evaluation (Example)

Prior to submitting my final project, I need to evaluate it myself to make sure I have met all the requirements.

Does my final project match the task I defined in Big6 #1?
Does the information I found in Big6 #4 match the information I said I needed in Big6 #1?
Did I cite my sources?
Is my work neat?

Is my work complete?
Am I proud of my work?