Big Six Stage is a well-known information literacy model designed to help individuals solve problems and make decisions effectively by following a structured process. It is commonly used in education and workplace settings. Below is a detailed breakdown of the six stages:
1. Task Definition
What to do?
- Identify the problem or task at hand.
- Determine what information is needed to address the task.
Key Questions:
- What is the problem or question I need to solve?
- What information do I need to complete this task?
Example: If you're assigned a project on climate change, define the specific aspects you need to research, like causes, effects, and potential solutions.
2. Information Seeking Strategies
What resources can I use?
- Identify all possible sources of information.
- Evaluate which sources are most reliable and relevant.
Key Questions:
- What are the best resources for this task (books, websites, interviews)?
- How do I prioritize them?
Example: For climate change, you may use scientific journals, government reports, and credible websites like NASA or the UN.
3. Location and Access
Where can I find the information?
- Locate the resources identified in the previous step.
- Access and retrieve the needed information.
Key Questions:
- Where can I find these resources (libraries, online, interviews)?
- Do I have access to these resources?
Example: Access an online database for scientific articles or visit the library to find books on climate change.
4. Use of Information
What does the information say?
- Engage with the resources (read, listen, observe).
- Extract relevant and useful information.
Key Questions:
- What information is relevant to my task?
- How can I organize the extracted information?
Example: Highlight key data from a journal article about rising global temperatures and take notes for later use.
5. Synthesis
How do I organize and present the information?
- Organize the information logically.
- Create a final product (essay, presentation, report) that communicates the findings effectively.
Key Questions:
- How can I combine the information to address the task?
- What format should I use to present my findings?
Example: Compile your research into a PowerPoint presentation or write a report summarizing the causes and solutions to climate change.
6. Evaluation
How well did I do?
- Assess the effectiveness of your process and the final product.
- Identify areas for improvement.
Key Questions:
- Did I meet the requirements of the task?
- What could I do differently next time?
Example: Evaluate your presentation for clarity, accuracy, and whether it effectively communicates the key points.
Applications of the Big Six Model
- Education: Helps students research and complete assignments.
- Workplace: Assists in problem-solving and decision-making.
- Personal Projects: Guides individuals in planning and completing tasks efficiently.
The Big Six provides a structured framework to tackle complex problems, ensuring a methodical approach to achieving goals.
Applied Example
1. Task Definition
Example 1: School Project
- Task: Write an essay on the effects of deforestation.
- Information Needed: Causes, effects, statistics, and solutions.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Task: Create a marketing strategy for a new product.
- Information Needed: Target audience, competitors, pricing, and advertising platforms.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Task: Plan a vacation to Europe.
- Information Needed: Destinations, visa requirements, budget, and travel itineraries.
2. Information Seeking Strategies
Example 1: School Project
- Possible Sources: Textbooks, online articles, documentaries, and interviews with environmental experts.
- Prioritize: Use scientific journals for credible statistics and government reports for reliable information.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Possible Sources: Customer surveys, competitor websites, market research reports, and social media trends.
- Prioritize: Focus on market research reports and competitor analysis for data-driven insights.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Possible Sources: Travel blogs, airline websites, visa agencies, and travel forums.
- Prioritize: Use travel forums for tips and airline websites for flight options.
3. Location and Access
Example 1: School Project
- Locate textbooks in the school library.
- Access online articles using search engines or educational databases like Google Scholar.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Access customer survey results through internal databases.
- Research competitors' websites and download relevant reports.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Book tickets on airline websites.
- Visit the embassy website for visa requirements.
4. Use of Information
Example 1: School Project
- Read and summarize key points about deforestation causes and effects from an article.
- Highlight useful quotes or statistics to include in the essay.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Analyze survey data to identify customer preferences.
- Create a chart showing competitors' pricing trends.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Compare flight prices across multiple airlines and note the most cost-effective options.
- Extract essential tips from travel blogs about must-see destinations.
5. Synthesis
Example 1: School Project
- Organize research into sections (e.g., Introduction, Causes, Effects, and Solutions).
- Write an essay summarizing findings with supporting examples and statistics.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Create a PowerPoint presentation with key insights on target audience, pricing strategy, and advertising channels.
- Include visual aids like graphs and charts.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Create a travel itinerary with daily plans, including flight times, hotel bookings, and activities.
6. Evaluation
Example 1: School Project
- Check if the essay meets the teacher’s requirements.
- Verify if all key points about deforestation are covered and supported by credible sources.
Example 2: Workplace Scenario
- Assess if the marketing strategy is actionable and aligned with business goals.
- Gather feedback from colleagues or managers on the presentation.
Example 3: Personal Task
- Review the travel plan to ensure it fits the budget and covers all desired destinations.
- Confirm visa requirements are accurate and complete.