Big 6 is a system to organize research projects - be it for personal use i.e. purchasing an audio system or a school assignment.  Developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz, it clearly provides the steps to successfully research.

1.  Define the Problem.

What will it take to get an A? Make a list of what is required.
Generate a list of major topics, then “who, what, when, where, why, how” your topics. Specifically, what information do you need to complete your assignment?

2.  Information Seeking Strategies.

Consider your topics, decide where you can find the best, easiest resources. Reference books, nonfiction books, magazines, personal interviews, TEL, Grolier on-line, etc. are some resources.

3.  Location and Access.

Under each topic, generate a list of keywords. Look in the Table of Contents and Index to find your information. If it is a multi-volume set, look at the spine label to find the correct volume. Continue to modify your keywords, look at additional resources, etc.

4.  Use of Information.

Research reading involves scanning to find information necessary to complete your project.  Use color cooded Research Notes sheet to record pertinent facts. Paraphrase, summarize, or quote the book.  Use the research sheet, cut up the facts and organize the notes.  Add your own opinion, notes and comments to these facts.
Important:  use a different color sheet for each resource.

5.  Synthesis.

Review the teacher’s assignment.  Make an outline, web, storyboard, or sketch for your final product.  Apply your notes to your final product.  Neatness counts. Combine notes from various resources into a logical product. Have a friend review to insure it makes sense. Include your bibliography.

6.  Evaluation.

What did you learn? Consider how you could have been more efficient. What will you different for your next project? How could your project have been better?



Berkowitz, R.E. and Eisenberg, M.B.  The Big 6 in Secondary Schools.  Linworth 
    Publishing, Inc.:  Worthing, OH, 2000.