Puzzled by Inquiry? Try the Big 6 Method!

Six steps to help you solve problems or make decisions. Task Definition Information Seeking Strategies Location and Access Use of Information Synthesis Evaluation What is the Big 6?

When The Big 6 are used Correctly… Click for a video overview of The Big 6

Why the Big 6? “ Guided Inquiry is a preparation for lifelong learning, not just preparation for a test” (Caspari, Kuhlthau, & Maniotes, 2007, p. 4). 21st century learning requires Guided Inquiry Big 6 steps are a Guided Inquiry process used in daily life Big 6 in the Real World

Implementing The Big 6 Planning Team Team Leader: School Library Media Specialist Staff Support: Administrators Record Keeper: Curriculum Coordinator Content Specialists & Big 6 Promotion Crew: One teacher from each content area: Math Teacher Science Teacher Social Studies Teacher Language Arts Teacher Related Arts Teacher Special Education Teacher

Implementing The Big 6 Learning Outcomes “The key reason for introducing inquiry was to allow students to apply content knowledge to a real world problem and to teach library skills with the metacognitive support of an inquiry process model” (Keeling, 2009). Students will have a conceptual understanding of content. Students will apply content knowledge to real-world problems. Students will be information literate. Students will be independent learners.

Implementing The Big 6 Timeline 1.Professional Development over The Big 6 (1 day) 2.Unit Developing in Content Areas (1 day) 3.Implement first Information Inquiry unit 4.Review and Reflect on Implementation Success

Implementing The Big 6 Action Plan Get to know the Big 6 Unit Planning in Content Areas Submit Units to SLMS Post Big 6 in classrooms Schedule Library Media Center Implement and Collaborate with SLMS Stay Positive!!

The Big 6 in Action Common Core Standards Writing Standard 7 – Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation (Common Core Standards Initiative, 2010). KY Program of Studies Academic Expectation 1.1 – Students use reference tools such as dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, and computer reference programs and research tools (Kentucky Department of Education, 2006). AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner Standard 1 – Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. Standard 2 – Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge. Standard 3 – Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society. Standard 4 – Pursue personal and aesthetic growth (AASL, 2009). Writing Process Organizer for Grades 7-12

The Big 6 in Action (cont.) Standards for the 21st Century Learner Standard 1 - Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. Standard 2 - Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge (AASL, 2009). KY Program of Studies Academic Expectation Students make sense of the variety of materials they read (Kentucky Department of Education, 2006). Common Core Standards Reading Standard 1 - Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text (Common Core Standards Initiative, 2010). The Great Indian Civilization Unit

Pathfinder Print Resources American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Standards for the 21st-century learner in action. Chicago, IL: American Association of School Librarians. Provides standards, strands, benchmarks, explanations, suggested activities, action examples, and an action example template. Caspari, A.K., Kuhlthau, C.C., & Maniotes, L.K., (2007). Guided inquiry: Learning in the 21st century school. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, Inc. Explains guided inquiry’s role in education and the need for it to be a part of standard practice in all schools. Database Resources Dweck, C. (2009). Who will the 21st-century learners be? Knowledge Quest, 38(2), 9. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier database. Discusses challenges to 21st-century learning and the role of library media specialists in overcoming them. Keeling, M. (2009). A district's journey to inquiry. Knowledge Quest, 38 (2), 36. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier database. Explains Newport News (VA) Public School District’s implementation of an information inquiry model. Web Resources Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2010). Common Core State Standards. Retrieved from Includes standards, information about states who have adopted the standards, and documents for clarification about the standards and their implementation. Kentucky Department of Education. (2006). Middle level education. Retrieved from e.pdf. Contains Kentucky Program of Studies standards as they relate to middle grades education. Selected Websites The Big6 Explanation of, justifications for, resources for the implementation of, and a host of other resources related to the Big6 model. The Super3 Links for children, parents, and teachers aimed at assisting young students in information inquiry.

Don’t let inquiry puzzle you anymore! The Big 6! Try…