The Big6 SkillsThe Big6 Skills

A Problem-Solving Approach

to

Information Skills Instruction

as developed by Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz

The Big6(tm) is copyright (c) (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and RobertE. Berkowitz. www.big6.com

How Much is That Doggy in the How Much is That Doggy in the Window?Window?

Presentation created by

Nell Ududec

Bairdmore School

January 2003

Using the Big6 Skills

The Big Six:The Big Six: is a stage approach to information

problem-solving may be research needed for a

school assignment or information needed in your personal life

it has six broad skill areas necessary for successful information problem-solving

Using the Big6 Using the Big6

The Challenge:

A family is looking for a new pet. They have decided on a dog, but what kind of dog should they get?

They will be following the steps outlined in the Big6 to make their choice.

1. Task Definition1. Task Definition

Family asks:

“What do we need to do?”

Define the information problem. Identify the information needed

to solve the problem.

2. Information 2. Information Seeking StrategiesSeeking Strategies

Family asks:

“What can we use to find what we need?”

Brainstorm all possible sources.

Select the best sources.

3. Location and 3. Location and AccessAccess

Family asks:

“Where can we find what we need?”

Locate sources. Find information

within sources.

4. Use of 4. Use of InformationInformation

Family asks:

“What information can I use?”

Engage (read, hear, view or touch).

Take out needed information.

5. Synthesis5. SynthesisFamily asks:

“How can we put our information together?”

Organize information from all sources.

Make a decision. (Create a product or performance.)

The Product - Our ChoiceThe Product - Our Choice

Gentle

Friendly

Good with kids

Short haired

Quiet

Cat sized

Intelligent

Long lived

Easily trained

CUTE!!!

The Pug

6. Evaluation6. Evaluation

Family asks:

“How will we know if we did well?”

Judge the product (are we happy with our new pet?).

Judge the process (efficiency).

To sum up...To sum up...

Information literate people are those who have learned how to learn. They are prepared for life long learning because they can always find the information needed for any task or decision at hand.