The BIG 6™ Skills Information Problem-Solving Curriculum  (Eisenberg and Berkowitz, 1988) is used when students need information to solve problems. Students follow the steps of the BIG 6™ - an information problem-solving process as they consider these ideas:

Big 6™#1: Task Definition-What am I supposed to do? What is the topic? What questions need to be answered? What does the teacher want me to do in this assignment?

Define the information problem. Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem).

Big 6™#2: Information- Seeking Strategies- What sources of information may I use? What information is needed?

Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm). Evaluate the different possible sources to determine the priorities (select the best sources).

Big 6™#3: Location and Access- Where can I find these resources? Where will I locate sources and how will I select the best sources to answer questions about the topic?

Locate your sources and find information within them. Search for printed sources, non-print (videos, DVD’s, personal interviews).

Big 6™#4: Use of Information- How can I get what I need from these sources? How will you use the information?

· Read and take notes

· Use a checklist of questions and a checklist of information based on the questions from the task definition

· Extract the relevant information from your sources

· View videos or DVDs, etc.

· Correctly citing Sources

Big 6™#5: Synthesis- How do I put it all together? How will I organize my research to create an interesting paper, a unique oral speech, a poster, a PowerPoint, or other multimedia presentation?

Organize your information from multiple sources (by category, alphabetically, by time sequence, as a story, or combination of these).

Big 6™#6: Evaluation- How did I do?

Were you successful in completing the entire process? Does your final product answer the complete the assigned task? What did you learn? What would you do differently if you had more time or had to complete a similar assignment? How could you improve the results of this product? What are the questions that need more information?

The BIG 6™ is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz

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