THE BIG6 RESEARCH MODEL

The Big6 is a

process model of

how people of all

ages solve an

information

problem.

As developed by Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz

The Big6™ is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E

Berkowitz. wwwbig6.com

1.Task DefinitionDefine the information problem Identify information needed (to solve the information problem) 2. Information Seeking StrategiesDetermine all possible sources (brainstorm)Select the best sources3. Location and AccessLocate sources (intellectually and physically) Find information within sources4. Use of InformationEngage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)Extract relevant information5. SynthesisOrganize from multiple sourcesPresent the information6. EvaluationJudge the product (effectiveness)Judge the process (efficiency)

The "Big6TM" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz.

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Task Definition: What is your question

Step #1: Task DefinitionDefine the Information ProblemIdentify the Information Needed  Your Research Question:

What do I already know about this topic? 

 What do I need to know about this topic? (Phrase as questions) 

 What types of information do I need for this topic? (Examples: Interviews, Magazine Articles, Experiments, Images, Graphs)   What is the relevant vocabulary for this topic? (Words and Phrases that will help your search)  

Step#2: Information Seeking StrategiesWhat are the best sources of information for my project?How will I know if the sources are accurate and authoritative?

Determine all possible sources (brainstorm) What are all the possible sources to check?

Are they?*on the topic*accurate*precise*current*reliable/authoritative

Select the best sourcesWhat are the best sources of information for this task?(library catalogue, webpath express, Sweet search)

Step#3: – Location and AccessWhere will I find these sources?

___ school library catalogue___ webpath express___ sweetsearch.com___ bubbl.us

Who can help me find what I need? ___ I can find the resources myself___ my parent(s)/guardian(s)___ team members___ teacher/librarian/mentor

Step #4 – Use of InformationEngage (read, hear, view) How will I record the information that I find?___take notes using cards___word processing ___illustrate concepts___take notes on notebook paper___take notes using a graphic organizer___other Extract relevant, quality informationHave I credited each resource by listing:For books:___title of book ___author of book ___copyright ___page #sFor websites:___title of website___web address___date I used website

Step #5 – Synthesis How will I show my results?____ written paper____ multimedia presentation ____ oral presentation____ otherHow will I give credit to my final product or performance?____ include a written bibliography____ after the performance or presentation, announce which sources I used ____ otherMaterials I will need for my presentation or performance (list, separating by commas)

How much time will I need to find the information and create the product Timeline for assignments - ideas for product (task definition) completed by _____________ - information seeking and note taking completed by _____________ - first draft due_____________ - final project due _____________

Step #6 – Evaluation How will I know if I have done my best? ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Before turning in my work, I need to check off all of these items

 What I created to finish the assignment is appropriate for what I was supposed do in step #1  The information I found in step #4 matches the information needed in step #1  Credit is given to all of my sources, written in the way my teacher requested  My work is neat  My work is complete and includes heading information (name, date, etc.)  I would be proud for anyone to view this work

Additional search engines

http://clusty.com this is an engine that includes a search bar and then categories – news, images, blog, Wikipedia, jobs, more

 http://ipl2.org this is the Internet Public library and has a search bar with categories – kids, teens, resources by subject, more

http://www.kidzsearch.com type in a search query in order to be returned with student-orientated content. Ask a question, browse sites, or explore news

http://www.kid-search.com updated database of keywords and key phrases to help searching for specific topics

http://www.gogooligans.com an engine designed for kids and teens. Just type in key words or phrases. You have option to refine your search.

http://www.sweetsearch.com this has a very large base to many great sites

http://www.bubbl.us where you use a mind map to generate places that may help you locate information. You have to join up but its free.

REFERENCES

Great Wall of China by deviantArt user Pectwer under CC BY 3.0

Cuff links by Flickr user Oberazzi under CC BY 2.0

Blueprint by Flickr user Will Scullin under CC BY 2.0

I Hate Home Depot by Flickr user Kevin McShane under CC BY-NC 2.0

Warning sign by Flickr user Robert Couse-Baker under CC BY 2.0

Dry Stone Wall building by Wikimedia Commons contributor TR001 under CC BY SA 3.0

The Great wall by Flickr user Bernard Goldbach under CC BY 2.0

Fire hydrant by Flickr Will lion under CC BY-NC ND 2.0

Evaluation by wordle jpg contributor temple.edu under CC BY 2.0

Search by Search Engine Marketing user SEO web design under CC BY 2.O