1. The Big 6: An information problem solving process model
Presented by Robert Duncan

2. The Big 6- What is it?
A process approach to solving information problems
Program created by Michael E. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz
Most widely used model in schools today.
Top down approach; see the big picture before you worry about details.

3. The Big 6 Step #1: Task Definition: What is the problem to be solved?
- understand the nature or type of assignment
- define the information problem
What information is needed to solve the problem?
- can they narrow the scope
- identify the information needed to complete the task

4. The Big 6 - determine the range of possible sources
Step #2: Information-Seeking Strategies
What are all the possible sources of information?
- determine the range of possible sources
(make lists, brainstorm)
What are the best of all the possibilities?
- evaluate the possible sources, and select the best
- give a reason why it is the best

5. The Big 6 Step #3: Location and Access Where are these sources?
- reference books, databases, web sites, interviews
- the multi-step process of locating sources may be a challenge
- pathfinders are one idea
Where is the information within each
source?
- keywords, related topics
- using an index, table of contents,
- skimming, headings & subheadings

6. The Big 6 Step #4: Use of Information
What information does the source provide?
- students have to engage themselves in the materials, (i.e., read, hear, view, touch) the information
What specific information is worth applying to the task?
- extract the relevant information from the source
- note taking (Cornell Note Taking Method)
- proper citation

7. The Big 6 Step #5: Synthesis
How does the information from all sources fit together?
- organize the information
- category, alphabetically, chronologically, as a story, combination of all
What is the best way to present the information?
- essay, speech, video, poster, PowerPoint
- synthesis must keep in mind
Step #1 (Task Definition)

8. The Big 6 Step #6: Evaluation Was the problem solved?
- students judge their product
- compare it to the requirements
- checklist, or rubric
- is it effective?
If I had to do this again, what would I do differently?
- self assessment
- judge the information problem process
(efficiency)

9. Why use the BIG 6?
Students often become confused in the initial stages of research.
They become uncertain how to proceed.
Many students give up because they feel incompetent and confused. Initial part of the research process is the most difficult stage of the process.
Rather than become more confident as the assignment progresses, students lose confidence as soon as they encounter difficulty.

10. Information Literacy
Information literate students are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how information is organized, how to find information and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them.

11. New Test
New standardized test by the Educational Testing Service (ETS): Information and Communication Technology Literacy Assessment
Initially there will be a test for high school seniors and for students in college.
There are future plans for developing a test for grades 7-10

12. Applications to Real Life
School work (homework, papers, project, exam)
Personal situations (buying a gift, purchasing a car, choosing a college)
Whenever information is needed to solve a problem

13. On-line references for the Cornell Note Taking Method
Cornell University Learning Strategies Center
Bucks County Community College “Learning Center” in Pennsylvania