What are "power" objectives? (conversation during October webinar)

[Janet Murray]

The Big6 by the Month team defines a particular stage of the Big6 Skills in terms of "power" objectives. By that, we mean you should identify grade level objectives or learning expectations derived from the information literacy or curriculum (Common Core) standards. Colet commented, "'Power' also means that they are high priority and cross-content or are focused on process rather than specific content.  I think that the Big6 stages are, by definition, Power Learning Objectives because they can be embedded in highly engaging content -- science, history, music, EVEN physical education!" Mike noted that "Power objectives should increase in sophistication or complexity from grade to grade."

In each month's webinar, we give examples from Montana's Essential Learning Expectations. For example, from the Information Seeking Strategies webinar (November's topic presented in October), young students might be expected to:

Choose from a range of information resources
Evaluate and select information resources based on currency, point of view, and usefulness.

Older students identify accurate information by referring to RADCAB:
Relevance, Appropriateness, Detail, Currency, Authority, Bias

[Colet]

For the complete Montana Library-Information Literacy Curriculum Guide, click here.