Evaluating the Quality of Learning

The SOLO Taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome)

1st Edition - December 28, 1981
Authors: John B. Biggs, Kevin F. Collis
Editor: Allen J. Edward
Language: English
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 7 3 3 1 - 0

Educational Psychology Series: Evaluating the Quality of Learning: The SOLO Taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome) focuses on the approaches, methodologies, and… Read more

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Educational Psychology Series: Evaluating the Quality of Learning: The SOLO Taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome) focuses on the approaches, methodologies, and techniques employed in the valuation of the quality of learning. The publication first offers information on the quality and quantity of learning and origin and description of the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy. Discussions focus on general intellectual development and the growth of quality; some assumptions and applications of stage theory; from developmental stage to levels of learning quality; and general intellectual development and the growth of quality. The text then examines the teaching of history, elementary mathematics, English, and geography. Topics include interpreting a map and drawing conclusions, explaining a natural phenomenon, appreciation of poetry, implications for the teaching of history, English, and mathematics, numbers and operations, and general application of SOLO to history. The manuscript takes a look at modern languages, place of the taxonomy in instructional design, and some methodological considerations. Concerns include alternative formats for obtaining SOLO responses, instructional processes, curriculum analysis, remediation, and teacher intentions. The publication is a vital source of data for educators interested in the SOLO taxonomy.

Preface

I The Structure Of The Observed Learning Outcome

1 The Evaluation of Learning: Quality and Quantity in Learning

Evaluating Quality Versus Quantity: An Example

Evaluation and Instruction

Summary and Conclusions

2 Origin and Description of the SOLO Taxonomy

General Intellectual Development and the Growth of Quality

The Piagetian Stages of Development

Some Assumptions and Applications of Stage Theory

From Developmental Stage to Levels of Learning Quality

Description of the SOLO Taxonomy

A Paradigm for Obtaining SOLO Responses

Summary and Conclusions

II Applying The Taxonomy To Various Teaching Subjects

3 History

The General Application of SOLO to History

Suitability of Items

Implications for the Teaching of History

Summary and Conclusions

4 Elementary Mathematics

Numbers and Operations

Implications for the Teaching of Mathematics

Summary and Conclusions

5 English

Appreciation of Poetry

Reading

Creative Writing

Implications for the Teaching of English

6 Geography

Interpreting a Map and Drawing Conclusions

Accounting for Change in Areal Characteristics from a Written Description

Explaining Natural Phenomena

Drawing Conclusions from a Picture of an Area

Further Research in Geography and Social Science Education and SOLO

Implications for the Teaching of Geography

7 Modern Languages

Translation from French to English

Forming Rules from Specific Instances

Implications for the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Summary of Some Related Research Findings

Summary and Conclusions

III General Educational Implications

8 The Place of the Taxonomy in Instructional Design

Teacher Intentions

Curriculum Analysis

Instructional Processes

Evaluation

Remediation

Summary and Conclusions

IV Further Issues: Methodological Aspects Of The SOLO Taxonomy And Implications For Psychological And Educational Theory

9 Some Methodological Considerations

Reliability

Validity

Processes Used in Arriving at Various SOLO Levels

Alternative Formats for Obtaining SOLO Responses

Summary and Conclusions

10 Implications for Psychological Theory from Relational to Extended Abstract

Development Stage

Learning Cycles

Applications to Other Areas of Psychology

General Summary and Conclusions

References

Subject Index