Crafting Lessons That Build Deeper Understanding

Using SOLO to structure your teaching

When designing lessons with SOLO Taxonomy in mind, the focus shifts to progressively challenging students to build connections and abstract thinking, rather than just memorizing facts.

Strategies to Design SOLO-Based Lessons

  • Start simple (Uni-structural): Introduce key facts or concepts clearly.

  • Build breadth (Multi-structural): Encourage students to explore multiple relevant points.

  • Foster connections (Relational): Guide students to link ideas and see the bigger picture.

  • Promote transfer (Extended Abstract): Challenge students to apply learning creatively or in new contexts.

Practical Tips

  • Use scaffolded questions that increase in complexity.

  • Incorporate concept mapping to help students visualize relationships.

  • Assign projects that require application beyond the classroom.