Rigor in the Classroom
What is Rigor?
The social research group MDRC defines academic rigor as “a demanding yet accessible curriculum that engenders critical-thinking skills as well as content knowledge.”
Rigor is not!
- Lots of homework is a sign of rigor.
- Rigor means doing more.
- Rigor is not for everyone.
- Providing support means lessening rigor.
- Resources equal rigor.
- Standards alone take care of rigor.
- Rigor is just one more thing to do.
Bertie County Schools Focus on Rigor
Questioning
To better understand the content being presented in their core subject areas, it is essential for students to learn to think critically and to ask higher levels of questions. By asking higher levels of questions, students deepen their knowledge and create connections to the material being presented, which in turn prepares them for the inquiry that occurs in tutorials. Students need to be familiar with Costa’s (and/or Bloom’s) levels of questioning to assist them in formulating and identifying higher levels of questions. (Avid)
Five E's
Each of the 5 E's describes a phase of learning, and each phase begins with the letter "E": Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The 5 E's allows students and teachers to experience common activities, to use and build on prior knowledge and experience, to construct meaning, and to continually assess their understanding of a concept.
Adding Rigor in Classroom
Rigorous questioning is critical, but it is not enough. For example, a teacher might ask rigorous questions, but accept lower level answers. In that case, the instruction is not rigorous. Barbara's nationally recognized concept of instructional rigor includes high expectations, scaffolding for instruction, and demonstration of learning.
Start Your Research Here!
The Need for Increased Rigor and Relevance in the Classroom
R I G O R 5 Strategies for Increasing Rigor in Your Classroom