1. A Problem Solving Approach To Information Skills
The Big Six
A Problem Solving Approach To Information Skills
“The Computer as an Educational Tool: Productivity and Problem Solving” ©Richard C. Forcier and Don E. Descy

2. The Big Six...What is it?
A general approach to information problem-solving
that can be applied to any information problem situation

3. The Big Six Skills Defined
1. Task definition
2. Information seeking strategies
3. Location and access
4. Use of information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

4. Information Needs “Every day, people are faced with
numerous information needs,
some more important
than others.”
Eisenberg and Berkowitz

5. “Consciously or not, individuals Eisenberg and Berkowitz
A Process
“Consciously or not, individuals
undertake an active
process to meet
those needs.”
Eisenberg and Berkowitz

6. 1. Task Definition Define the information problem
What do I need to know?
What am I supposed to do?
What information do I need in order to do this?

7. 2. Information Seeking Strategies
Determine the range of possible sources
Brainstorm
Evaluate the different possible sources
Which ones are best for me to use?
Select the best sources

8. 3. Location and Access Where will I find these resources?
Who can help me find what I need?
Locate sources
Find information within sources

9. 4. Use of Information Engage the information in a source
Read, hear, view, touch
Extract relevant information from a source
Take notes, make chart, use a tape recorder
How will I give credit to my sources?

10. 5. Synthesis Organize information from multiple resources
What product or performance will I make to finish my assignment?
Present the information
Write, paint, record, diagram
How will I credit sources in my final product?

11. 6. Evaluation Was the information problem solved?
What would I do differently next time?
Judge the product
Judge the problem solving process
Am I pleased with my project?

12. Daily Applications Task Definition
Students need to fully understand what is being asked.
Task Definition

13. Information Seeking Strategies
Daily Applications
How will I find out? What will my sources be?
Information Seeking Strategies

14. Daily Applications
Locate the source
Scan material
Location and Access

15. Daily Applications
Extract the relevant data
Use of Information

16. Synthesis Daily Applications
Organize and write an answer in the required format
Synthesis

17. Daily Applications
How well did I do on this assignment?
Evaluation

18. The Big Six Information problem-solving process
Provides students transferable skills
Students gain competency
Become effective users of information
Acquire capacity for lifelong learning