Raising the Rigor. Eileen Depka

ask and answer have the potential of helping them achieve the benefits and skills discussed in the left column, including increased perseverance and collaboration. The conversation points in the right column help students realize the importance of the benefits associated with skill development enhanced through responding to complex questions. Either students or teachers can ask those questions.

      Students grow in their ability to interact with content when they are engaged in tasks and projects that promote higher-order thinking skills. Although projects are not necessarily related to a specific type of question or questioning technique, they serve to broaden the experiences of students and place them in situations that expand their horizons. Paying attention to the indicators associated with successful application of higher-order thinking skills can help monitor current status and growth. Teach the skills in the checklist so that students can achieve greater success in their ability to use higher-order thinking skills. As students grow in perseverance and use skills known to promote higher-order thinking, they will be more comfortable responding to questions that challenge and take them out of their comfort zone.

Table 2.1: Establishing Purpose With Students—Develop Questioning Expertise