The Big6

Note to teachers* Students should complete items 1 -5 before they begin to look for resources.

Step 1 : Task Definition (It is important that students complete this in class before starting research)

                  What am I supposed to do? (Explain in my own words what is expected of me.)

                  _________________________________________________________________________

                  _________________________________________________________________________

                 What are the questions that I need to answer? (If there are more questions continue on the back.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Step 2 : Information Seeking Strategies (How do I find the information?)

            What are the possible sources to find this information?         

___books    ___databases    ___websites    ___magazines    ___interviews    ___other                       

Which of the above are best for me to use?          

Step 3 : Location and Access

                  Where will I find these sources?

___school library   ___public library   ___classroom   ___home   ___other

                  Who can help me find what I need?

___librarian   ___classroom teacher   ___parent   ___myself   ___other

Step 4 : Use of Information

           How will I record what I find?

___ take notes in notebook     ___ take notes on notecards     ___ talk into tape recorder

___ draw pictures                   ___ graphic organizer               ___ other

                 How will I cite my sources? (Include this information where you take your notes.)

___ I will use the guide given to me by my teacher.

___ I will use Noodle Tools from the library homepage.

(To help pull the necessary information to cite sources, there is an APA work cited guide library link.)

Step 5 : Synthesis (putting it all together)

            How should I organize information to meet requirements of my task?

                  What will be the final product that I present to my teacher?

                  ___written paper   ___multimedia presentation   ___oral presentation   ___other

Step 6 : Evaluation (Fill this out before you turn in your assignment.)

                  How will I know that I have done my best?

                  _____ I followed the Big6 steps to complete the project.

            _____ I met the assignment requirements

                  _____ Information found in #4 matches information needed in #1.

                  _____ I gave credit to all of my sources

                  _____ My work is neat.

                  _____ I gave myself time to work on the project.

                  _____ I am proud to show my final product to others.

The above guide was adapted from the original Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz model by Mrs. Levner to assist BCES students and teachers with the research process.

Eisenberg, M. B., & Berkowitz, R. E. (1996). Information Problem-Solving: the
     Big Six Skills approach to Library & Information Skills Instruction.
     Norwood, New Jersey: Ablex Publishing Corporation.