THE BIG6 INFORMATION LITERACY MODEL

The Big6 provides a framework to approach any information based

question.

It can be used any time students need to gather information to solve a problem or

complete a task.

What is the Big6?• Is a process that will help you solve a

problem or accomplish a task.• It helps you organize your thoughts

and information.• It helps you find the answer to

questions.• It helps you find solutions to problems.• It is an easy way to locate information.

What are the skill areas?

• Task Definition• Information Seeking Strategies• Location and Access• Use of Information• Synthesis• Evaluation

Step 1: What do I need to do?• Define the Information

Problem.*What does your teacher want you to do?*Ask questions if you do not understand

the assignment or task.

• What information do I need in order to complete this assignment?*Create a list of questions.*Use the “research topic triangle”

Research Topic TriangleGeneral: Electronic Technology

Narrower: Electronic Devices

Narrower:

Electronic Devices In Schools

Limited Topic:Should Electronic Devices

Be Allowed In Schools?

Step 2: What can I use to find what I need?• Brainstorm

*Make a list of places you can search for information.

• Evaluate the sources*Look carefully at your list to see what is

available and easy to use.

• Don’t forget web sources*Don’t always believe what you see. Make

sure your sources is reliable. Use .edu, .gov, .org; be cautious with .com and .net.

Places to Find Information• School Library Books and Journals

*You will mainly use Non-fiction and journals

• School Library Databases*Encarta, Tennessee Electronic Library

• Public Library Books and Journals*Mount Pleasant Public or Maury County

Public in Columbia

• Internet Websites*Use .edu, .gov., or .org. Be cautious using .com and .net.

• College and/or University Libraries*CSCC, TSU, MTSU

Step 3: Where can I find what I need?

• Locate Sources*Where can I find these sources?*Who can help me find what I need?

• Find Information within the Sources*Books: Use Index or Table of Contents*Encyclopedias: Use indexes*Web Sites: Use search box*Magazines: Scan front

Step 4: What can I use from these sources?• Read, listen, view, & touch the

sources*Extract information: Ask for help if you don’t understand the information in the sources.

• Take notes*Use note cards for information & sources

• Cite your sources* Use at least three sources*Cite your sources using the MLA style*Check your citation by using an online citation maker

Step 5: What can I make to use to finish the job?• Organize your information

*Write a rough draft*Create a storyboard*Create an outline or concept map*Create a multimedia presentation

• Present your information*Remember to follow guidelines

provided by your teacher*Include you ideas – do not just

summarize your findings*Remember to create a

bibliography and cite your sources

Step 6: How will I know I did my job well?• Judge your product

*Did I do everything that the teacher required?*Is my work neat?*Did I give the correct citations for information

used?*Did I include name, date, etc?

• Think about what you did to complete the assignment*What skills have I learned and what did I do

well?*What would I do different next time?*What information sources did I need that the library did not have?*What information sources were the most

useful?

Project Complete

• Remember to complete all checklist for the best possible results.