The Big6 Research Model What Is It Why Use It How to Implement It Kat Gullahorn & Deanne May Fall 2010 LS Dr. Judy Moreillon

What is the Big6? The Big6 is an inquiry-based research model developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz. Deriving its name from the six research steps that make up the model, the Big6 guides users through the following processes: Step 1 – Task Definition Step 2 – Information Seeking Strategies Step 3 – Location and Access Step 4 – Use of Information Step 5 – Synthesis Step 6 – Evaluation (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

What is the Big6? Step 1 – Task Definition During this step, students: Define the information problem and Identify information needed (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: What do we need to do?

What is the Big6? Step 2 – Information Seeking Strategies During this step, students: Determine all possible sources and Select the best sources (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: What can we use to find what we need?

What is the Big6? Step 3 – Location and Access During this step, students: Locate sources and Find information within sources (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: Where can we find what we need?

What is the Big6? Step 4 – Use of Information During this step, students: Engage (read, hear, view, touch) information and Extract relevant information (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: What information can we use?

What is the Big6? Step 5 – Synthesis During this step, students: Organize from multiple sources and Present the information (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: How can we show what we learned?

What is the Big6? Step 6 – Evaluation During this step, students: Judge the product and Judge the process (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Eisenberg, “The Big6”) Students Ask: How will we know if we did well?

2009lamsy What is the Big6?

Why Use the Big6? The Big6 is able to be used at virtually any grade and ability level. Advantages Students are able to work through steps at their own pace allowing differentiation based on interest, reading level, and learning style (Jansen, “Differentiating Instruction” 32). Multiple literacies and content can be integrated in a logical manner using the Big6 approach (Needham, 42).

tWhat is the Big6? Why Use the Big6? The Big6 also produces a framework for teaching and learning that is closely correlated to the American Association of School Librarians’ Standards for the 21st- Century Learner (2009). Advantages It does this by providing teachers and school librarians a concrete process in which to embed instruction of each of the individual skills identified in the standards and for learners it enables connections between problem solving and individual skills leading to mastery (Needham, 42).

The bottom line is to raise the next generation of thinkers to be independent learners capable of turning curiosity into knowledge. Of course there are many ways to meet this challenge, and the Big6 model is proven effective means to that end. Incorporating these six steps into the teaching curriculum at any level and in any subject genre will guarantee greater information literacy skills and deeper learning for your students Inventing the Future: The K–16 Connection in Science. Films Media Group, Films On Demand. Web. 18 October Skills for Life Why Use the Big6? Erniec Media Centered. Theory and practise of school librarianship. Web.

What is the Big6? How to Implement the Big6 Possible Projects Explore the value of fresh water and present conservation techniques and benefits. Build a water still and transform salt water into fresh water. Explore the long term effects of the Gulf oil spill on the coastal swamps and develop preservation ideas. Research the war on terror and discuss how it has affected the credibility of the United States in the eyes of the rest of the world. The Big6 can be implemented across the curriculum. Collaborate with your school librarian or media specialist to discover more possibilities for inquiry-based learning. Use the Big6 model to explore these possible projects with your students:

Kat Gullahorn & Deanne May A2.4 Persuasive Presentation Fall 2010 LS Dr. Judy Moreillon TWU SLIS

Works Cited Eisenberg, Mike. The Big6: Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement Web. 10 Oct Eisenberg, Michael and Robert E. Berkowitz The "Big6™“. Big6.com oct Erniec Innovation Media Centered. Theory and practise of school librarianship. Web. Jpeg Jansen, Barbara A. “Differentiating Instruction in the Primary Grades with the Big6.” Library Media Connection 27.4 (2009): 32 – 33. Web. 8 Oct Jansen, Barbara A. The Big6 Goes Primary: Teaching Information and Communications Technology Skills in Grades K – 3. Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth Publishing, Inc., Print. 2009lamsy2009lamsy April 04, Oct Needham, J. "Meeting the New AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner via Big6 Problem Solving." Library Media Connection 28.6 (2010): 42 – 43. Web. 8 Oct