Winter break is over

Posted on February 26th, 2007 in Education by Laura Robinson

For many of us, we are returning back to school this week after February break. With this return to the classroom, library media center, or computer lab, the “main buzz” around the school is often about the upcoming high-stakes tests that students take in the spring. With this, comes the dreaded controversy of “teaching to the test.” This is an issue that I, personally, am faced with; yes, of course, I want my students to do well and be successful but is it fair to specifically and only teach to the test to ensure my students pass? No, I don’t think so.

Enter, the Big6. By implementing the Big6 process and practicing (over and over) with the everyday, general curriculum, my students not only learn overall test-taking skills and strategies, BUT also tools that will help with life skills, daily problem solving, and information literacy. It’s a win-win for all! The Big6 gives me confidence that my students are well prepared for their tests and have a selection of strategies to use while completing these “fun” assessments!

Stay tuned for more specific Big6 lessons and strategies to help with test taking.

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Test Taking Tips

Posted on February 26th, 2007 in Assessment, Big6, Education by admin

test taking

It’s natural for students (and adults, alike) to feel some stress or general anxiety about taking tests. Besides the obvious of getting a good night sleep before the test and eating a healthy breakfast or lunch the day of the test, here are links to websites that contain numerous ideas, tips, and practice techniques that may help your test-takers. These may seem “like a given” to experienced test takers, but many students, especially those who experience test anxiety or are taking a high-stakes test for the first time, may forget these simple things that can help them to be successful.

Kids Health Testing Tips

Kid Source- Standardized Testing

Schwab Learning Study & Test Taking Strategies

And from our own Big6er, Carrie Lowe…

Big6 and Innovative Test Prep



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Why we need the Big6…

Posted on February 25th, 2007 in Education, Links by Laura Robinson

Thanks to Rob Darrow who sent us this link.

Teaching in the 21st Century

It really says it all!

http://aquiram.wordpress.com/category/silent-sunday/

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Overheard

Posted on February 5th, 2007 in Big6, Education by Laura Robinson

So, a few years ago (well, actually about 7 years ago), while teaching middle school, I overheard the following conversation. Mind you, the students and I had been using the Big6 all year for school assignments, personal situations, and everyday problem solving. Two young girls (who were suppose to be completing a math assignment) were sitting at a table:

Girl 1: Man, I wish I knew if Matt liked me. He is so cute and I like him but I don’t know if he even knows who I am.

Girl 2: That stinks. (pause) Wait, I know, let’s use the Big6. It will help us see if he likes you or not!

(See, the Big6 is applicable in ALL situations.)

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It all started when…

Posted on February 5th, 2007 in Big6, Education, Super3 by Laura Robinson

So, I am asked to be the new writer for the Super3 and Big6 Blog! What a fun, exciting, and enriching task. (Yes, in all my free time, I will easily fit this in!) A place where I can share ideas, ask questions, post articles, and discuss important topics all centered around the Super3, Big6, education, and learning. I hope to develop a rich audience of readers and writers who will comment, respond, and share! Anything goes! Well, almost anything- use your judgment.

Let’s start with the basics: Super3 and Big6? What’s this all about? You mean you don’t know? It’s only the most widely-known and widely-used approach to teaching information and problem solving skills in the world.

Some people call the Big6 an information problem-solving strategy because with the Big6, students of ALL ages are able to handle any problem, assignment, decision (personal or academic) or task.

Here are the six stages we call the BIG6. Two sub-stages are part of each main category in the Big6 model:

1. Task Definition
1.1 Define the information problem
1.2 Identify information needed

2. Information Seeking Strategies
2.1 Determine all possible sources
2.2 Select the best sources

3. Location and Access
3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information
4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)
4.2 Extract relevant information

5. Synthesis
5.1 Organize from multiple sources
5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation
6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)

People go through these Big6 stages—consciously or not—when they seek or apply information to solve a problem or make a decision. It’s not necessary to complete these stages in a linear order, and a given stage doesn’t have to take a lot of time. We have found that almost all successful problem-solving situations address all stages.

And the Super3…
Designed for younger learners in preschool through 2nd grades:

Beginning: PLAN

Middle: DO

End: Review

And there you have the Super3 and Big6 in a nutshell.

So, for those who are new to the Big6, explore our website at www.big6.com, read about our information problem solving model, try it out, and share your thoughts and ideas. And for the current Big6ers, please continue to tell us how you use and implement the Big6. What works? How does the Big6 fit into your teaching and learning? How do your learners respond to the Big6?

Stay tuned for more!!

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