B IG 6 R ESEARCH M ODEL The B IG 6 R ESEARCH M ODEL What Is It Why Use It How to Implement It

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”) (Image: Eisenberg, “The Big6”) W HAT IS THE B IG 6?

Created with Wordle.netWordle.net T HE B IG 6 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.

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?

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? What is the Big6?

A Graphic Model of the Big6 Research Process (Eisenberg, “The Big6”)

Why Use the Big6? The Big6 is able to be used at virtually any grade, subject and ability level. A DVANTAGES 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.

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). A DVANTAGES 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. 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. S KILLS FOR L IFE Why Use the Big6? (Image: Erniac, “Media Centered”)

How to Implement the Big6 P OSSIBLE P ROJECTS 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. What caused the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean and how were the coastal countries affected? The Big6 can be implemented across the curriculum. Collaborate with your school librarian or media specialist to discover more possibilities for inquiry-based learning. Follow the Big6 model to explore the world around us. Here are some possible projects to do with your students:

Kat Gullahorn & Deanne May A2.4 Persuasive Presentation Fall 2010 LS Librarians as Instructional Partners Dr. Judy Moreillon Texas Woman’s University

Works Cited Eisenberg, Mike. The Big6: Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement Web. 10 Oct Eisenberg, Michael and Robert E. Berkowitz. The Big Web. 18 Oct Erniec. Media Centered: Theory and Practice of School Librarianship. WordPress, Web. 18 Oct 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. 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