The following extract is a modified version of the Big Six strategy designed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz of the University of Syracuse. This particular extract was modified by Brian Armour for use at Redlands College, with permission. Educators may copy this material, but must acknowledge the sources. See the Big Six Web Site

BIG SIX STEPS

1. Be sure you understand the problem (Task definition). You need to know how the problem arose, what the solution will have to satisfy, and how the present situation is inadequate. This will require a discussion with the person (people) who are confronted by the problem.
   
   
2. Identify the resources that will help you solve this problem. You may find the resources in library. People in the community, particularly experts, may be a resource; but do not be surprised if even experts disagree! Learn and apply skills in using a wide range of resources including books, newspapers, magazines, CD ROM’s, online databases, the Internet.
   
   
3. Gather relevant information (Location and access).
   If you have carried out Step 1 well, it should not be hard to judge what is relevant and what is not. Photocopying and "cut and paste" may be alright to start with, but you really need to understand what you are gathering. Put the information in your own words as you write a summary of it.
   
   
4. Select an approach / theme / strategy (Use of Information). To achieve this stage, you must do some hard thinking about the problem in the light of the information you have gathered (discussion in the group will help). This is where you can say "Aha!" or "Eureka!" or "I’ve got it!" Your hard work is paying off, but there is still work to be done.
   
   
5. Integrate the information you have collected with your own ideas to demonstrate your solution / present your answer / write the assignment (Synthesis). The presentation may be in a number of forms. An essay would be the traditional method, but presentation slide show software (such as Powerpoint) give us new options today.
   
   
6. Examine the results and refine the presentation (Evaluation). Does your solution really work? Is your presentation easy to follow? Is your solution really addressing the problem in Step 1? Use the CAF activity to help establish this.