1. Big Six Research Model
What Is It
Why Use It

2. What Is The Big 6? Grades 3 and up
Step 1 – Task Definition
Step 2 – Information Seeking Strategies
Step 3 – Location and Access
Step 4 – Use of Information
Step 5 – Synthesis
Step 6 – Evaluation
The Big6 is an inquiry-based research model developed by Mike
Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz. Deriving its name from the six
research steps that make up the model, the Big6 guides users
through the following processes:
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

3. (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)
Advantages
Opportunity to activate and extend knowledge
Student-Led Method
Inquiry-based Learning
Applicable for any subject
The Big6 follows the traditional inquiry model format through its six corresponding steps. In comparison to other research models, Big6 offers students the opportunity to activate and extend knowledge in a manner that is conducive to any level of cognitive ability. The Big6 is a student-led method for researching that meets all elements of true inquiry-based learning. Its use in any classroom offers a plethora of benefits, many of which will be
described in this presentation.
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

4. (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)
Big6-TEKS Comparison
Big6
TEKs Key Words
Step 1 – Task Definition
Define the information problem
Identify information needed
Research /Research Plan
Open-Ended Research Questions
Generate Research Topics
Decide what sources
Generate Research Plan
During this step, students:
Define the information problem
and
Identify information needed
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

5. (Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)
Big6-TEKS Comparison
Big6
TEKs Key Words
Step 2 – Information Seeking Strategies
Determine All Possible Sources
Select the Best Sources
Research /Research Plan
Decide what sources of information
Generate Research Plan
Research/Gathering Sources
Students Ask: What can we use to find what we need?
During this step, students:
Determine all possible sources
and
Select the best sources
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

6. Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words Step 3- Location and Access
Locate Sources
Find Information within sources
Research/Gathering Sources Collect information from multiple sources Skimming and Scanning Techniques
Step 3 – Location and Access
Students Ask: Where can we find what we need?
During this step, students:
Locate sources
and
Find information within sources
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

7. Step 4 – Use of Information
Big6-TEKS Comparison
Big6
TEKs Key Words
Step 4 – Use of Information
Students Engage Information
Extract Relevant Information
Research /Synthesizing Information Clarify research questions Evaluate information
Step 4 – Use of Information
Students Ask: What information can we use?
During this step, students:
Engage (read, hear, view, touch) information
and
Extract relevant information
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

8. Big6-TEKS Comparison Organize from multiple sources
TEKs Key Words
Step 5 – Synthesis
Organize from multiple sources
Present the information
Research/Organizing and Presenting
Present according to the purpose of research and audience
Compiles
Develops topic sentence
Step 5 – Synthesis
Students Ask: How can we show what we learned?
During this step, students:
Organize from multiple sources
and
Present the information
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary”)

9. ? Big6-TEKS Comparison Big6 TEKs Key Words
Step 6 – Evaluation Students Judge the Product and Process ?
What do you think?
Is there a TEK?
Show Evaluating Big6 Units free page from website.
Students Ask: How will we know if we did well?
During this step, students:
Judge the product
and
Judge the process
(Jansen, “The Big6 Goes Primary

10. Why Use the Big6?
The Big6 is able to be used at virtually any grade, subject and ability level.
The process is not linear; students will learn to evaluate and refine their research as they progress.
ADVANTAGES
•Students are able to work through steps at their own pace
allowing differentiation based on interest, reading level,
and learning style (Jansen, “Differentiating Instruction” 32).
•Multiple literacies and content can be integrated in a
logical manner using the Big6 approach (Needham, 42).
•The process is not linear; revisiting steps
and resources at any point can help the
student connect and integrate information
as they progress through lessons.

11. SKILLS FOR LIFE
The bottom line is to raise the next generation of thinkers to be independent learners capable of turning curiosity into knowledge.
Incorporating the six steps of the Big6 into the teaching curriculum at any level and in any subject will help achieve greater information literacy skills and deeper learning for your students.

12. 21st Century Learners
The Big6 also produces a framework for teaching and learning that is closely correlated to the American Association of School Librarians’ Standards for the 21st-Century Learner (2009).
It does this by providing teachers and school librarians a concrete process in which to embed instruction of each of the individual skills identified in the standards and for learners it enables connections between problem solving and individual skills leading to mastery (Needham, 42).

13. The Super 3
The Super3 contains the same basic elements as the Big6, but is written for younger students to understand.

14. Can Also be used with SPED classes?
The Super 3 Grades K-2
Super 3
TEKs Key Words
Plan - (Beginning)
When students get an assignment or a task, BEFORE they start
doing anything, they should think:
• What am I supposed to do?
• What will it look like if I do a really good job?
• What do I need to find out to do the job?
Big6 Steps:
• Task Definition
• Information Seeking Strategies
Research/Research Plan
Open-ended question
Develop a plan
Decide sources of Information
The Super3 contains the same basic elements as the Big6, but is written for younger students to understand
Can Also be used with SPED classes?

15. The Super 3 Grades K-2 Super 3 TEKs Key Words
2. Do - (Middle) In the Middle the students DO the activity. This is where they read, view, tell, make a picture, etc. Big6 Steps: • Location and Access • Use of Information • Synthesis
Research/Gathering Sources
Students determine, locate and explore sources
Record Information

16. The Super 3 Grades K-2 Super 3 TEKs Key Words
3. Review - (End)
Before finishing the product and turning it in, students should
stop and think— Is this done?
• Did I do what I was supposed to do?
• Do I feel ok about this?
• Should I do something else before I turn it in?
Big6 Steps:
• Evaluation
Research/Organizing and Presenting Ideas
The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:
Super3 information from
created by Tami J. Little. Handout created by: Barbara J. Shoemaker, School Media Specialist, Mill Road Elementary, K-2 Red Hook Central School District, Red
Hook, NY

17. Super 3 Dinosaurs
You can find this really cute PowerPoint in the “free stuff” section of The Big 6 website under the presentations heading.
Flat Stanly Super Three Worksheet