1. An information problem solving process model
The Big 6
An information problem solving process model
Tertia Shah
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If you are presented with a puzzle, do you…
Start with the border first then proceed to fill in the rest?
Or do you focus on one area and complete the rest?
Whatever jigsaw skills you use, works only if you don’t give up!
This may be why you love or hate doing puzzles?
Finding a strategy that works for jigsaws may not be as easy as finding one for a research assignment where you information to piece together… but why not give the big6 a try?
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WHY USE THE BIG 6?
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It is an information problem solving process model.
In other words, a step-by-step method to help you solve problems
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Applications to Real Life
Whenever information is needed to solve a problem
School work (homework, papers, project, exam)
Personal situations (buying a gift, purchasing a car, choosing a college)
Learners 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
The big six can help learners approach the assignment from a different perspective.
Here’s how… in 6 simple steps!
Presentation by Tertia Shah

2. The Big 6 Task Definition Step 1
What is the problem to be solved?
What information is needed to solve the problem?
Step 1: Task definition – Define the problem
LOOK CAREFULLY! EXAMINE! SCRUTINIZE!
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What is the problem/question?
Understand the nature or type of assignment. What do you need to accomplish?
What do you need to accomplish?
Define the information problem.
Put in in your own words. Ask for clarity. Make sure you understand this before
you begin!
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What information is needed to solve the problem?
What information do you need to include to help you make a decision or to solve the problem?
Can you narrow the scope? Can you simplify/break down the requirements?
Identify the information needed to complete the task (identify key/instruction words such as define, explain, etc.)

3. The Big 6 Information-Seeking Strategies Step 2
What are all the possible sources of information?
What are the best of all the possibilities?
Look in every possible corner, tap into all resources!
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What are the possible sources of information?
What can you use to find what you need?
Determine the range of possible resources.
Make a list of all sources-brainstorm, list.
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What are the best of all possibilities?
Evaluate the possible sources, select the best.
Give a reason why it is best.

4. The Big 6 Where is the information within each source? Step 3
Location and Access
Where are these sources?
Where is the information within each
source?
Where in the world….?
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Where are these sources?
Figure out where you will find these resources.
reference books, databases, websites, interviews
the multi-step process of locating sources may be a challenge
Pathfinders are one idea. Try saving good websites in
Find the materials.
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Where is the information within each source?
keywords, related topics
Using an index, table of contents
Skimming headings and sub-headings

5. The Big 6 provide? applying to the task?
Step 4
Use of Information
What information does the source
provide?
What specific information is worth
applying to the task?
Weigh up your options.
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What info does the source provide?
learners have to engage themselves in materials i.e. read, surf, hear, interview, view, touch the info.
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What specific info is worth applying to the task?
Extract the relevant info from source
Take notes on paper.
Note taking (Cornell note taking method)
[Cornell University Learning Strategies Center
Bucks County Community College “Learning Center” in Pennsylvania
Proper citation
Be sure to credit your sources.

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

7. The Big 6 Step 6 Evaluation If I had to do this again, what
Was the problem solved?
If I had to do this again, what
would I do differently?
Have you made your mark?
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Was the problem solved?
How will you know whether you’ve done a good job?
learners judge their product
compare it to the requirements on checklist, or rubric
is it effective?
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If I had to do this again, what would I do differently?
self assessment
judge the information problem process for efficiency
Check before submission of final report.