The Big 6 and the 5 W's

Why use a research model?

• Promotes inquiry and metacognition!
• It is easy to use for both students and teachers!
• It supports Common Core!

The Big 6

1. Task Definition

• Define the problem
• Identify the needed info

1. Task Definition Questions

• What are some questions I'd like to answer?
• What information will I need?

2. Info Seeking Strategies

• Brainstorm all possible sources
• Select the best sources

Info Seeking Strategies Questions

• What are ALL the possible sources?
• What are the BEST sources for this task?
• This is where we will use the 5 W's

3. Location and Access

• Locate sources 
• (intellectually and physically)
• Find info WITHIN the sources

Location and Access Questions

• Where can I find the sources?
• Where can I find the info in the sources?

4. Use of Information

• Engage (read, view, hear)
• Extract relevant info

Use of Info Questions

• What info can I find in this source?
• What is the useful info in this source?

5. Synthesis

• Organize info from multiple sources
• Present the information

Synthesis Questions

• How will I organize my info?
• How will I present my info?

6. Evaluation

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

Evaluation Questions

• Did I complete each of the Big 6 stages?
• How do I feel like I did on the product?

The 5 W's of Website Evaluation

• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why

WHO?

• Who created the website?
• Who is the intended audience?

WHAT?

• What is the intended purpose of the site? (PIE
• What information does it include/exclude?

WHEN?

• When was the site created?
• When was it last updated?

WHERE?

• Where did the author find his/her information?
• This is the most important of the 5 W's!

WHY?

• Why should I use this site instead of all the others that are available?

Let's Evaluate!

• The History Place
• Yahoo Answers
• The Miller Center