How to Do Research

The Big Six Try website http://www.thebig6.com (fromEisenberg/Berkowitz, 1990)

1. TASK DEFINITION

  • Define the task
  • Identify the information needed to do the task

2. INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES

  • Brainstorm all possible sources
  • Select the best sources

3. LOCATION AND ACCESS

  • Locate sources
  • Find information within sources

4. USE OF INFORMATION

  • Engage (read, hear, view, touch)
  • Take out needed information
  • Weed out trash

5. SYNTHESIS

  • Organize information from all sources
  • Create product or performance

6. EVALUATION

  • Judge the product or performance (effectiveness)
  • Judge the process (efficiency)

 

6 QUESTIONS

1. What do I want to know?

2. Where can I look?

3. Where can I find it?

4. What did I find?

5. What can I dot to show what I learned?

6. How did I do?

 

Big 6 Skills Organizer

Big Six Skill #1: Task Definition

What am I supposed to do?

 

What questions do I have to get me started?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Big Six Skill #2: Information-seeking Strategies

What are the possible sources to find this information?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Which ones are best for me to use? Put a check mark next to the best ones.

Big Six Skill #3: Location and Access

Where will I find these sources?

 

Who can help me find what I need?

 

Big Six Skill #4: Use of Information

How will I keep a record of the information I find?

___Draw pictures

___Take notes using note cards

___Take notes using a chart or grid

___Take notes on notebook paper

___Other (explain)

Big Six Skill #5: Synthesis

Once I have my notes, I will start organizing them as a report/ script/ storyboard/ or other product. I will have a friend, partner, or team member assist me in reviewing what I do.

 

What will be my final product or performance to complete my assignment?

 

I will give credit to my sources on/ in my final product/ performance.

 

Big Six Skill #6: Evaluation

How will I know that I have done my best? I will carefully review what I have done and check each statement before I turn in my assignment. All must be checked before I hand this in to my teacher.

___I have done what I said I would do in #1.

___The information found in #4 matches the information needed in #1.

___I gave proper credit to my sources.

___My work is the neatest/ best I can do.

___My work is complete and includes my name and the date.

___I am ready to share my information.