Applying an Academic Rigor Model to Find the Sweet Spot
Abstract
Faced with an institutional mandate to increase the level of academic challenge, we have synthesized research findings to formulate an academic rigor model comprised of four elements: high expectations, meaningful content, active engagement, and higher-order thinking. Based on survey data, focus group interviews, and observations of workshop participants, we conclude that all elements overlap in Venn diagram fashion. Most rigorous learning (aka the “sweet spot”) is illustrated when students are actively engaged in higher-order thinking about meaningful content and meet the high expectations of students, instructors, and relevant external evaluators. This presentation will summarize findings from on-campus surveys and focus groups, describe course activities considered rigorous along some dimensions, and explain their own use of the model to transform classes. Participants will be able to apply this academic rigor model designed to reach the “sweet spot” to transform aspects of their own classes.
Location
Room 2911
Recommended Citation
Draeger, John, "Applying an Academic Rigor Model to Find the Sweet Spot " (2012). SoTL Commons Conference. 3.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2012/3
Applying an Academic Rigor Model to Find the Sweet Spot
Room 2911
Faced with an institutional mandate to increase the level of academic challenge, we have synthesized research findings to formulate an academic rigor model comprised of four elements: high expectations, meaningful content, active engagement, and higher-order thinking. Based on survey data, focus group interviews, and observations of workshop participants, we conclude that all elements overlap in Venn diagram fashion. Most rigorous learning (aka the “sweet spot”) is illustrated when students are actively engaged in higher-order thinking about meaningful content and meet the high expectations of students, instructors, and relevant external evaluators. This presentation will summarize findings from on-campus surveys and focus groups, describe course activities considered rigorous along some dimensions, and explain their own use of the model to transform classes. Participants will be able to apply this academic rigor model designed to reach the “sweet spot” to transform aspects of their own classes.
