Big6

=**Neshaminy's Modified Big6**= The **Big6** is an information problem-solving strategy and can be used to solve any problem, assignment, decision or task. Here are the six stages we call the **Big6**. The Big6 was modified to meet the PA Standards for Research. 1.1 Define the information problem 1.2 Identify information needed 1.3 Develop questions or create inquiry (Learning what makes a good research question. With teacher guidance depending on grade level.)
 * 1. Task Definition**

2.1 Determine all possible sources 2.2 Select the best sources
 * 2. Information Seeking Strategies**
 * Use a variety of resources: books, eBooks, magazines, newspaper articles, database articles, online encyclopedia, other web resources (both print and online)
 * Use the NSD Research wiki
 * Identify criteria for determining quality of source: accuracy, bias, currency (ABC Method)
 * Distinguish between reliable and unsubstantiated information on the Internet

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically) 3.2 Find information within sources 3.3 Collect information for the citation
 * 3. Location and Access**
 * Use keywords and subjects

4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) 4.2 Extract relevant information 4.3 Reflect on findings
 * 4. Use of Information**

5.1 Organize from multiple sources 5.2 Present the information or create a product 5.3 Compile a “Works Cited” page using MLA 7th ed. – Bibliographic Citation
 * 5. Synthesis**

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness) (Has task definition been met?) 6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)
 * 6. Evaluation**

People go through these Big6 stages—consciously or not—when they seek or apply information to solve a problem or make a decision. It’s not necessary to complete these stages in a linear order, and a given stage doesn’t have to take a lot of time. We have found that almost all successful problem-solving situations address all stages. (For more information about Big6 Skills, we highly recommend “[|**Big6 in Elementary Schools**]” –and “[|**Big6 in Secondary Schools**]” books by Eisenberg and Berkowitz.)

**Big6 (TM)** Eisenberg and Berkowitz, 1987. [|Big6.com] Big6 Resources