Using the Big6™ for Information Problem Solving
from El Dorado High School

The Big6™ is a widely used approach to teaching information and technology skills. The Big6™ information problem-solving process relies on critical thinking skills and is applicable whenever people need and use information. This approach was created by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz. You can find their site at http://www.big6.com/. Their purpose is to help all people to succeed by becoming better information problem-solvers.

The steps in the Big6™

1. Task Definition

1.1 Define the information Problem

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

2. Information Seeking Strategies

2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)

2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)

3. Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

3.2 Find information within sources

3. Use of Information

4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source

4.2 Extract relevant information from a source

5. Synthesis

5.1 Organize information from multiple sources

5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)

6.2 Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency)

For more information on the Big6™ visit these sites:

The Big6™ Information Problem Solving Approach

"This official Big6™ Web site provides overview and in-depth information about the Big6. The site is aimed at educators, administrators, parents, and anyone else interested in helping students to learn and use essential information and technology skills."

Nuts and Bolts of the Big6™

This site from Pacific Bell Knowledge Network provides an overview of the Big6™ and information literacy, how to use the Big6™, resources and activities for students and teachers, and a Big6™ game.

Applying Big6 Skills™and Information Literacy Standards to Internet Research by Janet Murray

"Use Mike Eisenberg's and Bob Berkowitz' Big6 Skills™ and the national Information Literacy Standards developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and Association for Educational and Communications Technology (AECT) to organize an introduction to research on the Internet."

Big6™ Information Problem Solving

"The Big6 is a way to help you answer your questions. It can help you do a report, a project, or even help you do your homework. There are 6 steps to follow. You can follow them in order, and then return to any of the steps when ever you need to."