Beyond Right or Wrong: Measuring How Students Think
Assessment is more than checking for correct answers; it’s about gauging the depth of understanding. SOLO Taxonomy offers a framework to evaluate how well students integrate and apply knowledge.
Assessing with SOLO in Mind
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Uni-structural and Multi-structural: Focus on factual recall and listing.
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Relational: Look for explanations showing connected ideas and comprehension.
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Extended Abstract: Assess students’ ability to generalize, hypothesize, or create new insights.
Tools & Techniques
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Use rubrics aligned with SOLO levels.
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Employ open-ended questions that encourage explanation and synthesis.
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Include performance tasks or projects that demonstrate extended abstract thinking.
Final Thought
Using SOLO Taxonomy for assessment helps teachers recognize not just what students know, but how they understand it — a crucial step toward fostering lifelong learners.