THE PROBLEM: Students are entering the school year with widely variable math skills. We need to find a way to teach the class while modifying for students who are significantly behind as well as those who are quite advanced.
THE SOLUTION: Let's look to the research. Bloom's Taxonomy is a great place to start when differentiating content by readiness.
According to Bloom, there are six levels of tasks that we can use to engage our students: remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. We can differentiate by transitioning our focus to different levels of the pyramid. Select a particular topic. For that topic, create tasks that align to each of the six categories. Students can work on basic level questioning if they are still trying to develop a strong foundation of the math concept. Then as they gain more confidence and background knowledge they can climb Bloom's Taxonomy to the higher order thinking questions.
Let's dissect what types of instructions you could pose at each level of Bloom's Taxonomy.
REMEMBER
Solve the equation.
Graph the function.
Complete the table.
Calculate the sum.
UNDERSTAND
Show how you know.
Explain your thinking.
Give an example.
Estimate the total.
APPLY
Write an equation to model the scenario.
Solve the word problem.
Demonstrate the theorem.
Interpret the scatter plot.
ANALYZE
Compare and contrast the two strategies.
Categorize the polygons.
Classify the real numbers.
Deduce the big idea.
EVALUATE
Make a conjecture.
Identify the error.
Correct the mistake.
Prove the quadrilateral is a rectangle.
CREATE
Make an equation with the given parameters.
Design a prism with a set volume.
Devise a plan to show something is true.
Build a model.
It is important for all students to access information at different levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. However, entry points may differ. Students who need additional support at the start of a unit may focus on basic remember and understand tasks. Other students may already have a solid foundation and can enter the concept midway up the pyramid. Offering a variety of questioning types is key.
For additional examples of math questions aligned to Bloom's Taxonomy, download these free two-step equation task cards!
Let's continue the conversation! Do you use Bloom's Taxonomy when designing worksheets and assessments for your students? What questions do you have about implementation? Comment below!
You can catch a Facebook Live replay about this topic here.
Subscribe to receive a free Fractions/Decimals Card Game and Digital Matching Activity!
1 comment:
I have enjoyed this past week of 30 minute significant sessions. I’m looking forward to next weeks topics.
Post a Comment