Allow them to. Engagement comes first. If a scholar picks a query that feels simpler, it is perhaps as a result of they really feel extra assured answering it. Confidence results in risk-taking later. Begin the place they’re.
You’re nonetheless assessing their understanding. If their reply reveals mastery, nice! If it doesn’t, now you realize the place to supply suggestions and assist them develop.
Wish to stage it up whereas nonetheless giving alternative? As a substitute of asking college students to reply a set variety of questions, give them some extent aim. Every query is value a special variety of factors primarily based on the extent of pondering it requires. For instance:
-
DOK 1 or recall-type questions = 1 level
-
Evaluation or software questions = 2 factors
-
Deep reflection, synthesis, or analysis = 3 factors
Then say: “Select any questions to succeed in a complete of 5 factors.”
Now college students need to make a strategic alternative. They will reply 5 straightforward questions, or two medium and one powerful one. Or they will go all in on one huge query that pushes them to suppose critically and go deep.
This doesn’t simply differentiate, it provides college students management and makes them take into consideration their very own pondering. And that’s an enormous win for engagement and studying.
Over time, you’ll discover college students pushing themselves extra. They’ll wish to strive the “onerous” ones as a result of they’ve constructed up the arrogance and curiosity to tackle a problem. Add a couple of new higher-level choices to your listing every time. You’ll be amazed at who steps up.
Let the scholars shock you. They may.
