Model+3+--+Big+6

**Background information on the model** The Big6 information and technology literacy model and curriculum was created by Mike Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz. It can be used in any grade level with any subject area to help students solve problems or make decisions by using information. (JS) The Big6 has also been used in cooperate settings and with adult training programs. It also incorporates the use of technology into teaching the process of problem solving. (AK)

**Steps in the model with a description of each step** Step #1: Task Definition (What needs to be done?) Step #2: Information Seeking Strategies (What resources can I use?) Step #3: Location and Access (Where can I find these resources?) Step #4: Use of Information (What can I use from these resources?) Step #5: Synthesis (What can I make to finish the job?) Step #6: Evaluation (How will I know I did my job well?)
 * Define the problem (JS)
 * What are the expectations of format for the final product?
 * What are the expectations for length or duration?
 * What is the topic?
 * What is the due date? (AK)
 * Identify information needed (JS)
 * What are the key words?
 * What questions need to be answered?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">What type of information should be searched?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">What type of citations are necessary? (AK)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Determine all possible source
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Select the best sources
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Find information within sources
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) (JS)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Do the sources give enough information?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Is the information readable? (AK)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Extract relevant information (JS)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Does this information help to complete the initial task?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">How can the information be extracted?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Note-taking
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Photocopying or Photographing
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Printing
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Recording
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Interviewing (AK)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Organize from multiple sources (JS)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">What is the format of the presentation?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">What materials are necessary to put together the presentation? (AK)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Present the information
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Judge the product (effectiveness) (JS)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Did the presentation answer the initial questions? (AK)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Judge the process (efficiency) (JS)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Strengths** **of the model**


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Breaks any task into smaller, manageable pieces
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Allows learner to identify the initial task
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Encourages learner to be selective about material and information selection
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Can be used in both academic and non-academic problem solving situations (AK)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Weaknesses of the model**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">People using the model have difficulty identifying the type of information they need
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Direct instruction on steps needs to be prominent before student use (AK)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Reference list** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Eisenberg, M., & Berkowitz, R. E. (1999). //Teaching information & technology skills: The Big6 in elementary schools //. Worthington, <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Ohio: Linworth Pub. (JS)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Eisenberg, M., & Berkowitz, R. E. (1987). The Big6. Retrieved from http://www.big6.com/. (JS) and (AK)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Needham, J. (2009). //Teaching elementary information literacy skills with the// Big6//. Columbus, Ohio: Linworth Pub. (JS)//

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Samuels, H. (2004). The Big6 Skills. Retrieved from http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/Big_Six_Steps.asp. (AK)