More on Big Six Approach to Information Problem-Solving

[Barbara Jansen <bjansen@TENET.EDU>]

In response the the posting I made to Alison in Australia about the
Eisenberg/Berkowitz Big Six approach to a comprehensive information
 skills program, I have had numerous requests for more information
and the citations for the two books this is all based on. I introduced the
Big Six to seven classes today and knocked their socks off--they were
expecting my traditional library orientation! The students enthusiastically
participated in each session and the teachers have requested a poster
(similar to the bookmarks I gave the students) to post in their classrooms.
We will make these posters using the wonderful Macintosh (PageMaker)
and a poster maker (Ahhhh, technology...!)
   When information skills are presented in a systematic framework
(the Big Six) and in the context of the subject area curriculum, students
will make connections due to the process approach and the relevancy
to their immediate needs. Teachers will appreciate and value the
collaboration in planning effective lessons which support their
curriculum while ensuring that "your" information curriculum is being
taught in context. This will also give you a great rationale for
implementing a flexible schedule if you do not already have one.
   My approach to teaching information skills prior to this year was not
incorrect; I will not change everything I was doing. I *did* teach
information skills in context, I *did* collaboratively plan with teachers,
 and I *did* deliver the instruction in an interesting and motivating
format. But, my approach was hit-or-miss. I could not ensure that
every child at every grade level had a comprehensive information
skills curriculum, presented at a developmentally appropriate level.
Using the Big Six, developing a scope and sequence based on it,
and mapping our curriculum is the structure I needed for what I
was already doing well.
   I returned to school, after studying  for seven days with Bob Berkowitz
and Mike Eisenberg, recharged and excited about my restructured
approach. I will present the Big Six this fall to the other librarians
in our district, the principals (important!) and to the parents at our
school so that they will have a systematic and headache-less
approach to helping their children with homework. (Look for a Big Six
companion book for parents coming out soon!) Live Oak is on its
way to becoming a Big Six school! Our students will be ready,
when they finish high school, to enter college or the workplace,
with the skills defined in the SCANS report. They will be life-long
learners.
   Citation:  Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz.
_Curriculum Initiative: An Agenda and Strategy for Library
Media Programs._ Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing Corp., 1988.
   Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. _Information
Problem-Solving: The Big Six Skills Approach to Library &
Information Skills Instruction._ Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing
Corp., 1990.
   Ablex Publishing Corporation, 355 Chestnut Street, Norwood,
NJ, 07648, 201/767-8450.
   Libraries Unlimited (800/237-6124) offers a 30 minute video
which introduces, but does not elaborate on, the Big Six Skills.
The best part is at the beginning, where Mike Eisenberg
addresses the information explosion.
Good luck and have fun! This is great stuff!
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*                                                    *
* Barbara A. Jansen          Live Oak Elementary     *
* Librarian                  8607 Anderson Mill Road *
* Round Rock I.S.D.          Austin, TX  78729-4706  *
* bjansen@tenet.edu          512/331-0996            *
*                                                    *
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