The document introduces the Big6 approach to information problem-solving. It discusses how students and people experience information overload but have difficulty finding relevant information when needed. The Big6 model provides a six step process to effectively locate, evaluate, and use information: (1) task definition, (2) information seeking strategies, (3) location and access, (4) use of information, (5) synthesis, and (6) evaluation. The Big6 process can be applied across subjects and grade levels to develop strong research and problem-solving skills.

1. Introducing
Approach to Information
Problem-Solving
© M. Eisenberg 2010

2. •We all suffer from
information overload.
There’s information
EVERYWHERE!!! The
irony is that when
students or ourselves
need it, we aren’t able
to effectively find
relevant & authoritative
information.
© M. Eisenberg 2010

3. Information Literacy
“To be information literate, a person
must be able to recognize when
information is needed and have the
ability to locate, evaluate, and use
effectively the needed information.”
American Library Association, 1989
© M. Eisenberg 2010

4. THE BIG6 and the
Common Core
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant evidence
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to
examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through
the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a
question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several
sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow
for multiple avenues of exploration
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1a Come to discussions prepared, having
read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that
preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe
and reflect on ideas under discussion.
© M. Eisenberg 2010

5. ™
The Big6 Skills
1. Task Definition
2. Info Seeking Strategies
3. Location & Access
4. Use of Information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation
© M. Eisenberg 2010

6. Usage of the BIG 6
Examples:
• Science & Math Fair – The research
component
• Argumentative Essays – Finding facts to
support a claim
• Short papers and oral presentation -on
the problems and solutions of proposed
inquiry based questions.
• Life-long learning interest – the ability to
answer questions and inform ourselves
© M. Eisenberg 2010

7. Task Definition
1.1 Define the problem
1.2 Identify the information
needed
TYPES OF INFORMATION,
BRAIN STORMING, AND
THESIS GENERATING
© M. Eisenberg 2010

8. Information Seeking
Strategies
2.1 Determine all possible
sources
2.2 Select the best sources
Continue brainstorming and
use Internet skills to seek
information
© M. Eisenberg 2010

9. Location & Access
3.1 Locate sources
3.2 Find information within
sources
Where is the most relevant
accurate information ?
WBOL, DESTINY, NC WISE,
ETC. © M. Eisenberg 2010

10. Use of Information
4.1 Engage (read, hear, view)
4.2 Extract relevant, quality
information
How do I make sense of the
information?
© M. Eisenberg 2010

11. Synthesis
5.1 Organize
5.2 Present
How will I present the
information I learned?
© M. Eisenberg 2010

12. Evaluation
6.1 Judge the result
6.2 Judge the process
Am I effective and
efficient in presenting
my ideas?
© M. Eisenberg 2010

13. Themes of the Big6
The Big6 process can be applied in
all subjects, with students of all
ages, and across all grade levels
(K-20).
The Big6 is not just for kids.
© M. Eisenberg 2010

14. www.big6.org
•Access
Code:
BIG6
www.big6.com
•Eisenberg, M. (2010). The Big6 Skills. [Powerpoint slides] Retrieved from The
Big6 www.pdtogo.com/files/BIG%206%20PP.ppt.
© M. Eisenberg 2010