Big6 Research
Easy Steps For Any Kind of Project
Step 1 - Task Definition
What do you need to do?
These are the kind of questions that will help start the Big6 and help keep you focused.
- If it's an assignment, what does the teacher expect?
- Are you trying to make an important decision?
These are the kind of questions that will help start the Big6 and help keep you focused.
Step 2 - Information Seeking Strategies
What resources could you use to get the job done?
This is a time to brainstorm possible sources for gathering information to get the job done.
- Do you need traditional references, such as an atlas, encyclopedia, dictionary, almanac, or thesaurus?
- Would the computer help?
- Can you ask family or friends for information?
- What about other resources, such as newspaper, videos, magazines, or magazines?
This is a time to brainstorm possible sources for gathering information to get the job done.
Step 3 - Location & Access
Which resource(s) are going to be the best choice and where can you get your hands on them?
- Where are the reference books kept?
- Which web address has useful material?
- Who should ask and when is the best time to talk to him/her?
- How do you select a specific article and/or media clip?
On this step it's important to make sure you're getting accurate information. You don't want to waste any time weeding through worthless stuff!
Step 4 - Use of Information
How are you going to use your resources?
- Which items do you need in order to make an informed decision?
- What data needs to be kept and what can you delete?
During this step you're in the thick of it. Immerse yourself in the wealth of information you've gathered. Remember to cite your sources!
Step 5 - Synthesis
What's the best way to share your new knowledge?
- Is there a creative way to display or present the information?
- Can your evidence be organized to help you make a final decision?
This step is the "doing" phases. You get to use the information in a productive way.
Step 6 - Evaluation
How did it turn out?
- Did you make a great grade on your assignment?
- Did you make a wise decision?
Go back and ask yourself the original question that started you down this path. Now ask yourself if it turned out the way it needed to. Could you have done anything differently, or are you perfectly happy with how it turned out?
Congratulations!
You just successfully navigated through the 6 Big Steps of Research!