Big Six Research Model What Is It Why Use It

What Is The Big 6? Grades 3 and up 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 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: (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) Advantages Opportunity to activate and extend knowledge Student-Led Method Inquiry-based Learning Applicable for any subject The Big6 follows the traditional inquiry model format through its six corresponding steps. In comparison to other research models, Big6 offers students the opportunity to activate and extend knowledge in a manner that is conducive to any level of cognitive ability. The Big6 is a student-led method for researching that meets all elements of true inquiry-based learning. Its use in any classroom offers a plethora of benefits, many of which will be described in this presentation. (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 1 – Task Definition Define the information problem Identify information needed Research /Research Plan Open-Ended Research Questions Generate Research Topics Decide what sources Generate Research Plan During this step, students: Define the information problem and Identify information needed (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 2 – Information Seeking Strategies Determine All Possible Sources Select the Best Sources Research /Research Plan Decide what sources of information Generate Research Plan Research/Gathering Sources Students Ask: What can we use to find what we need? During this step, students: Determine all possible sources and Select the best sources (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”) (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 3- Location and Access Locate Sources Find Information within sources Research/Gathering Sources Collect information from multiple sources Skimming and Scanning Techniques Step 3 – Location and Access Students Ask: Where can we find what we need? During this step, students: Locate sources and Find information within sources (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

Step 4 – Use of Information Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 4 – Use of Information Students Engage Information Extract Relevant Information Research /Synthesizing Information Clarify research questions Evaluate information Step 4 – Use of Information Students Ask: What information can we use? During this step, students: Engage (read, hear, view, touch) information and Extract relevant information (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

Big6-TEKS Comparison Organize from multiple sources TEKs Key Words Step 5 – Synthesis Organize from multiple sources Present the information Research/Organizing and Presenting Present according to the purpose of research and audience Compiles Develops topic sentence Step 5 – Synthesis Students Ask: How can we show what we learned? During this step, students: Organize from multiple sources and Present the information (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

? Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 6 – Evaluation Students Judge the Product and Process ? What do you think? Is there a TEK? Show Evaluating Big6 Units free page from website. Students Ask: How will we know if we did well? During this step, students: Judge the product and Judge the process (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary

Why Use the Big6? The Big6 is able to be used at virtually any grade, subject and ability level. The process is not linear; students will learn to evaluate and refine their research as they progress. 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). •The process is not linear; revisiting steps and resources at any point can help the student connect and integrate information as they progress through lessons.

SKILLS FOR LIFE The bottom line is to raise the next generation of thinkers to be independent learners capable of turning curiosity into knowledge. Incorporating the six steps of the Big6 into the teaching curriculum at any level and in any subject will help achieve greater information literacy skills and deeper learning for your students.

21st Century Learners 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). 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 Super 3 The Super3 contains the same basic elements as the Big6, but is written for younger students to understand.

Can Also be used with SPED classes? The Super 3 Grades K-2 Super 3 TEKs Key Words Plan - (Beginning) When students get an assignment or a task, BEFORE they start doing anything, they should think: • What am I supposed to do? • What will it look like if I do a really good job? • What do I need to find out to do the job? Big6 Steps: • Task Definition • Information Seeking Strategies Research/Research Plan Open-ended question Develop a plan Decide sources of Information The Super3 contains the same basic elements as the Big6, but is written for younger students to understand Can Also be used with SPED classes?

The Super 3 Grades K-2 Super 3 TEKs Key Words 2. Do - (Middle) In the Middle the students DO the activity. This is where they read, view, tell, make a picture, etc. Big6 Steps: • Location and Access • Use of Information • Synthesis Research/Gathering Sources Students determine, locate and explore sources Record Information

The Super 3 Grades K-2 Super 3 TEKs Key Words 3. Review - (End) Before finishing the product and turning it in, students should stop and think— Is this done? • Did I do what I was supposed to do? • Do I feel ok about this? • Should I do something else before I turn it in? Big6 Steps: • Evaluation Research/Organizing and Presenting Ideas The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com Super3 information from http://academic.wsc.edu/redl/classes/tami/super3.html created by Tami J. Little. Handout created by: Barbara J. Shoemaker, School Media Specialist, Mill Road Elementary, K-2 Red Hook Central School District, Red Hook, NY

Super 3 Dinosaurs You can find this really cute PowerPoint in the “free stuff” section of The Big 6 website under the presentations heading. Flat Stanly Super Three Worksheet