Part 2: Big6 and Graphic Organizers

Note: This is Part 2 of the Big6 and Problem-based Learning series. Read Part 1 online here.

How do you integrate new information with what you already know, building a new theory of the world, a new schema? For each step in the Big6, there is at least one graphic organizer that helps students integrate new information with information that they already know. Below, you can see how that works.

Obviously, you don't have to use graphic organizers for each step of the Big6, but graphic organizers can be helpful for some students.

Matching Big6 Skills with a Graphic Organizer*

1. Task Definition 
• 1.1 Define the problem 
• Problem/Solution: Use to identify a problem and consider multiple solutions and possible results.
• Spider Map: Use to explore a topic and identify main ideas and details. Cycle: Use to show interactions between events.
• Fishbone Mapping: Use to identify problem causes and interrelationships between them as they relate to the problem.
• 1.2 Identify information needed
• Chain of events: Use to plan out problem-solving process.
2. Information Seeking Strategies 
• 2.1 Determine all possible sources
• Compare/Contrast: Use to compare/contrast information sources.
• 2.2 Select the best source
• Clustering: Use to generate ideas about possible sources of information.
3. Location & Access 
• 3.1 Locate sources 
• Spider Map: Use to determine key words for searching.
• Clustering: Use to generate ideas and key words.
• 3.2 Find information within sources
• Clustering: Use to generate ideas about possible sources of information.
4. Use of Information 
1. 4.1 Engage information in sources
1. Continuum: Use to develop timelines, rating scales or show historical progression.
2. Venn Diagram: Use to identify similarities/differences.
3. Compare/Contrast: Use to compare/contrast information sources.
2. 4.2 Extract relevant information
5. Synthesis 
• 5.1 Organize information from multiple sources
• Clustering: Use to pull together ideas organizing a product (project, presentation, or paper). 
• Compare/Contrast: Use to organize compare/contrast information. 
• Problem/Solution: Use to articulate problem and consider multiple solutions and possible results. 
• Storyboard: Use to map out presentation or Web page.
• 5.2 Present the result
6. Evaluation 
• 6.1 Judge the result
• Interaction Outline: Use to judge the problem-solving process, and the interactions between team members. 
• 6.2 Judge the process

*Note: Find more graphic organizers online at WriteDesign On-Line!

Problem-based learning is a valuable tool for students of many levels. However, the task of designing a problem-based learning lesson can be daunting÷the problems are large and messy, and it can be a challenge to know where to start. Graphic organizers can be used to externalize student thinking, enabling collaboration and dialogue.

In the next part, we'll explore how five Big 6 related actions can help you keep your problem-based learning lesson under control and moving along.