Big6 1.0: Begin Well to End Well: How to Teach Task Definition Skills with Big6 “TurboPlanner”
When you coach students how to use the Big6, use the Big6 TurboTools “TurboPlanner” to help students start their assignments. Much like a good contractor depends on a blueprint to construct a new home, your students will learn to depend on their TurboPlanner to launch and complete a school project. You can ensure that your students will get off to a great start and will finish a project in a timely manner with more confidence. This article will acquaint you with some Big6 TurboPlanner features, and explain how to introduce the Big6 Task Definition tools to your class.
Big6 TurboTools Locker – TurboPlanner is the first tool on the menu column.
1. Project Management
After launching Big6 TurboTools, students will select TurboPlanner from the tool menu and Create a new project planner.
Direct students’ attention to the TurboPlanner button.
In TurboPlanner, the first screen students will view is a Project Status calendar for project management. You can discuss time management skills and show students how to use the built-in calendar to pace a project from beginning to end! Our time management tool is especially useful when students have a complex project like a Science Fair project or research paper. Students may adjust start dates and end dates for their project, or assign deadlines to finish each part on time. A Gantt chart (time management timeline) shows a graphical display, and students can check off each section as they finish it.
Big6 TurboPlanner Project Status with Gantt Chart
2. Task Definition 1.1 – Define the information problem.
Students advance to Task Definition tab. In Task Definition 1.1 Students should define the information problem.
Key Question: What is my current task and what are some topics or questions I need to answer?
In Task Definition 1.1 students will determine and understand exactly what the assignment requires them to do. Guide students to read the questions that help them learn the meaning of Task Definition 1.1. Students will see a list of common keywords that appear in assignments, along with the keyword definitions so students will clearly understand the meaning of each keyword. To deepen students’ understanding of Big6 Task Definition 1.1, students may view the Task Definition video of Bobby, a student who is working on a research report, and Travis, the adult mentor who helps Bobby gain confidence in solving information problems.
Big6 TurboPlanner for Task Definition 1.1 prompts students to consider sample questions like these:
- What does this assignment require me to do?
- What will my product/project look like if I do a really good job?
- What problem needs to be solved?
Here are some things students can do to complete Task Definition 1.1 successfully:
- Use the dictionary to look up any words you don’t understand.
- Rewrite the task in your own words, and confirm with your classroom teacher or teacher librarian if you are correct.
- Ask for help from another student who is also working on the assignment.
3. Worksheets for Practice
Next, students can use the Keywords Worksheet to practice how to identify and apply action words in any assignment. Keywords give clues about what to do, and the ability to find the keywords is an important skill to have!
4. Graphic Organizers
Finally, the TurboPlanner Task Definition 1.1 includes a collection of seven Graphic Organizers. These are very useful tools with which students should become familiar. Have your students choose one organizer that will help with their project and explain why they selected that organizer.
Task Definition 1.2 – Identify information needed.
In Task Definition 1.2, students should determine the specific information needed to do the assignment.
Key Question: What information will I need?
In Task Definition 1.2 students will encounter questions like these samples:
- What information do I need in order to do my task?
- How much information do I need?
- What type of information do I need? (e.g. facts, opinions, graphics, charts, maps)
Here are some things students can do to complete Task Definition 1.2 successfully:
- Don’t begin to work on your assignment until you have a clear understanding of what you are supposed to do.
- Ask your classroom teacher, teacher librarian, or a friend to help clarify the kind of information you need.
- Think about and decide on the appropriate technology needed to complete the task.
5. Will TurboTools fit my class schedule?
Absolutely! The Big6 TurboPlanner Task Definition module was designed to accommodate a variety of class schedules. Not only can students successfully complete the Task Definition module, but they will still have time to work on their individual reports and projects. After the group instructional time, teachers can work with any students who may have questions or who need additional help. Your students will have a great start when they develop aBig6 TurboPlanner to clarify their task and launch their project.
For Big6 TurboTools product and training information, and demo version, visit: http://www.big6turbotools.com
