Big 6 and Super 3

Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz have been promoting their approaches to information processing for nearly 20 years.

Big 6

The Big 6 is an information problem-solving approach developed by Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. It is the most popular model for information skills. It includes the following steps:

• Task definition
  
• Information seeking strategies
  
• Location and access
  
• Use of information
  
• Synthesis
  
• Evaluation

Explore the The Big 6 website. The Big 6 model focuses on problem-solving across the curriculum. The website provides background information and lots of lesson and activity ideas. Go to the Overview page to explore the history and major areas.

View Big 6 Introduction (1:00).

Bob Berkowitz provides an introduction to the Big 6 information problem-solving process.

Use of this video clip complies with the TEACH act and US copyright law. You should be a registered student to view the video.

Read The Big Six Information Skills As a Metacognitive Scaffold: A Case Study by Sara Wolf, Thomas Brush, and John Saye. (SLMR, 6, 2003).

Super 3

Although The Big 6 only includes six steps, some primary teachers find it overwhelming for their young learners. As a result, teachers have developed modified versions to meet their needs. Eisenberg and Berkowitz have developed a version called the Super 3 for very young children. It includes three steps:

• Plan
  
• Do
  
• Review

Explore the Super 3 page. Compare this approach to the Big6 model.

Learn More

Eisenberg, Michael B. & Berkowitz, Robert E. (1990). Information Problem-solving: The Big Six Skills Approach to Library and Information Skills Instruction. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

Eisenberg, Michael B. & Berkowitz, Robert E. (1999). Teaching Information & Technology Skills: The Big6 in Elementary Schools. Worthington, OH: Linworth.

Janet, Murray. Applying Big6 Skills, Information Literacy Standards, and ISTE NET.

Little, T, J. Super3. E arly childhood version of The Big6 Skill written by Eisenberg and Berkowitz

Nuts and Bolts of Big 6 from SBC Knowledge Network Explorer

Online Resources to Support BIG6™ Information Skills from John Newbery Elementary School, WA

 

---