Stretching the most able

1. ‘Evaluate’ words to start questions with…. Appraise Argue Assess CritiqueDefend Evaluate Examine Grade InspectJudge Justify RankRateReview Value ‘Synthesise’ words to start questions with…. Combine Compose Construct Create Devise Design Formulate Integrate Merge Hypothesise Organise Plan Propose Synthesise Unite Bloom’s Taxonomy Stretching the most able • Activity ideas • Snowballs– Start with a fact/statement on each sheet, screw up and throw across the room. Whoever catches it must elaborate or extend what is written on the paper. • Extension basket – Have a folder/basket on the wall with generic puzzles/extension questions on that pupils can go to and help themselves once they are finished the classwork. • Odd one out – 3 pictures/names/references on the board – they have to pick the odd one out and (most importantly) justify their answer. There should be no ‘right’ answer (or at least more than one) • Classifying by choice – provide a mixture of names/facts/statements. Students must choose how to group them and be able to justify why. No right answer/more than one right answer to keep it open. • Opposition – split the group according to their views on a certain topic, then force them to argue the opposite point of view. • Pupils as experts – Use students with good understanding to help others. Be wary of doing this too often though… • Students as teachers – Get students to plan and teach a topic each. Provide plenty of time for preparation of resources but you will learn a lot from them (and you have to plan less!) • Always/Sometimes/Never – put up single facts/statements on the board. Get pupils to discuss whether it is always, sometimes or never true and why • Questioning – Open questions. Questions that involve thinking about HOW they got to that answer (meta-cognition). Questions that challenge their views. • And to finish, a few ‘don’ts’…… • Don’t: • Just give them more of the same level of work • Assume they do not need as much variety of activities as lower ability pupils • Think they will be good at explaining to others just because they understand well themselves