The Fundamentals of the Big 6 By Demetra King CED505 Teaching Technology and Learning Theory

What is the Big 6? The Big 6 is a six-stage model to help anyone solve problems or make decisions by using information. This is a unique way to teach information and technology skills. The process can be used in any grade level, subject area or workplace task. The learner is in control of discovering the answer, finding a remedy or determining a reply. 2

What are the stages? 1.Task DefinitionTask Definition 2.Information Seeking StrategiesInformation Seeking Strategies 3.Location and AccessLocation and Access 4.Using the InformationUsing the Information 5.SynthesisSynthesis 6.EvaluationEvaluation 3

Task Definition Define the information problem to solve.  What is my problem?  What should I research?  How do I find the answer? Indentify the material that will be needed.  How do I narrow down what I will need to do the research?  What do I know?  What am I trying to learn? 4

Information Seeking Strategies What resources could be used?  Examples: websites, books, newspapers, journals, databases What is the best resources to solve the problem?  What information is best understood by you?  Can I use printed or electronic information? 5

Location and Access Location Where is the source that holds my information?  Can I use the school library?  Should I visit my local library?  Is the internet providing the most information? How do I gain access to the information?  Computer and passwords  Library card  Is this the best information that I can find? 6

Using the Information Engage  View, Touch, Read and Hear What are you understanding from your information extract significant facts. How do you present the information? Extraction of useful information  What can I use to explain my answer?  How do I get the information from the source?  Do I need more information? 7

Synthesis – Blending the information Organize  Create an outline, structure or flow chart to pull everything together?  Include information that covers the subject. What is the best way to present the information?  Report  Drawing project  Computer simulation 8

Evaluation Complete (effectiveness)  Have you met all the requirements?  Did you finish your project?  Have you covered every aspect?  Will you information be valuable? Time (efficiency)  How long did it take you to complete the project?  Did I use my time wisely? 9

Appraisal of the model The Big 6 model is….  An excellent way to learn a subject.  Interesting method to find information.  A great way to learn about the place that can provide you some information.  A helpful way to gain understanding on subject matters that can increase your knowledge.  An organized way to help you put things together in a manner that is acceptable.  A beneficial module that teaches you skills as you learn about the subject. 10

Let’s look at this lesson Evaluation Author: Debby Wilson, Library Media Specialist Audience/Grade Level: Third Grade Students The lesson that I found uses the Big 6 model for 3 rd grade learners presented by the librarian. The lesson is designed to have the learners write an animal classification research paper using materials from the school library and online sources. The learners will describe the distinguishing characteristics of an animal group. The learners can use normal classroom materials with objections of communicating ideals, research, data and original works. 11

Reflection of the lesson  The lesson will help the students learn the aspects of animals that are similar in characteristics.  They will demonstrate the ethical use of the information and technology.  They will learn how to use a huge amount of information to get an answer to their problem.  They will learn how to work in an effective manner by locating, evaluating, interpreting and bringing all the information together to present a research paper.  The Big 6 method will help the students be creative, productive and increase their knowledge. 12

Big 6 Stages of the lesson plan 1.Task Definition – Write a report on animal classification. 2.Information Seeking Strategies – Brainstorm a list of sources to get the information. 3.Location and Access – Time will be given to locate books, encyclopedias, and online sources that meet the needs of the students. 4.Use of Information – Students can read books and visit websites to gather information. 5.Synthesis – Students will write a rough draft (edit, revise and create a finished draft). 6.Evaluation – Compare their report to the rubric to make sure they have met all requirements and complete a self-evaluation. 13

Additional Thoughts The Big 6 information literacy model has demonstrated that it can be an excellent tool to measure information and with any age student. The Big 6 benefits student to be able to comprehend a lesson by following six steps and encourages them to apply the steps to other subject. The Big 6 is a model that can be used worldwide in any setting and environment. 14

Bibliography of Resources Betzner, J. (n.d.). Big 6 Research Method. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from ?subpage= Edwards, L. (2003, February). The Big 6 Approach. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from htm Eisenberg, M. B., & Berkowitz, R. E. (1987). The Big6. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from Fields, S. (2010, October 19). Introducing the Big 6 Approach. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from Wilson, D. (2008, July). Big 6 Lesson Plan. Retrieved October 22, 2012, from 15

Any Questions Thank You for learning about the Big 6! 16