One way is to break down the components involved in information problem-solving. Several years ago, Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz developed a process called The Big6TM which guides students through information problem-solving and along the way provides a basic framework for teaching and promoting information literacy.
Information: The Big6 provides students with a tried and true method to answer a question, complete an assignment, or create a unique product of some sort. Information problem solving is an iterative process, so the steps themselves are not necessarily always completed sequentially or in one single pass. For indepth information about the Big6TM, start with the Nuts and Bolts of Big6TM Overview.
Resources and Activities: Over the course of the last few years, a progression has emerged for incorporating technology into learning environments. It begins with a good list of Internet resources, better known as a "hotlist," and then moves on to other more complex activities that encourage higher level thinking and advanced problem-solving skills. You can find some of these in our Resources and Activities section.
A Game:
If you are already familiar with the Big6TM and are looking for something fun to do, we created a game for fifth and sixth graders who have already received some instruction in the Big6TM. It is possible that other grade levels may find the game useful and fun. The game is online, free, and everything is designed so that interested teachers and librarians can download all of the materials except for the playing pieces and the die. For more information about
the game, see The Nuts and Bolts Big6TM Game.
