To understand what SOLO taxonomy is.

I can identify the basics of SOLO taxonomy

I can describe what SOLO taxonomy is and understand the various levels

I can analyse how SOLO taxonomy could be helpful to my learning.

SOLO Taxonomy

A simple method of developing a deeper understanding about a topic.Allows your thinking to go beyond that topic into other areas.Shows you what to do next if you’re stuck.Great for peer assessment.(It’s amazing).

SOLO taxonomy levels

SOLO taxonomy divides knowledge into five levels. Each level has a picture representing it.

Pre-structuralUni-structuralMulti-structuralRelationalExtended Abstract

SOLO taxonomy levels

I’m now going to explain the levels to you, using an example question:What do you know about football?

Please write down notes about the levels on your sheets provided.

Pre-structural – hardly any knowledge

What’s football?

What do you know about football?

Uni-structural – you know something about the topic – but not a lot

What do you know about football?

Players kick a football around.

Multi-structural – you have a number of ideas

It’s a game played between two teams, they use a football and it’s played on a pitch.

What do you know about football?

Relational – you have a number of ideas and can make links between them

What do you know about football?

It’s a game of skill played between two teams of 11 players on a grass pitch. The idea is to score more goals that your opposing team, whilst trying not to concede any goals. The 11 players play in different positions, and a manager or coach decides the teams tactics.

Extended Abstract - Relational – you have a number of ideas, can make links between them and can add some new or extended thinking.

What do you know about football?

It’s a game of skill played between two teams of 11 players on a grass pitch. The idea is to score more goals that your opposing team, whilst trying not to concede any goals. The 11 players play in different positions, and a manager or coach decides the teams tactics.

Knowing each team’s strengths and weaknesses, such as players injured, suspensions or current form could help you predict the result of a match.

SOLO sort activity

I’m going to give you some printed off examples of SOLO taxonomy knowledge about topics you know about.

In small groups I want you to read, discuss and place the examples next to the correct SOLO taxonomy level.

Are you confident to do this? Any questions before we start?

Task

What is your understanding of SOLO taxonomy?

Write a paragraph explaining SOLO taxonomy and explain if you think it will be useful.

Task

Now swap work with the person next to you.

Read their work and assess what their knowledge of SOLO is, based on the SOLO levels.