Rigor in Education

Posted by Tammy Andrew Apr 16, 2009

A lesson that contains rigor is student centered and engaging. It challenges students to confront their feelings about topics and make connections to new ideas using what they already know. Students frequently work in groups and conduct research while pushing their understanding. It is more about a depth of knowledge than breadth of topics.

But our current testing requirements feature the opposite. Standardized tests emphasize a breadth of math and English topics and highlight the need to teach skills relevant to test taking. Many teachers, schools and districts find it frustrating to be required to "teach to the test" when students learn and enjoy learning when challenged by rigorous projects.

I would love to know about research being conducted into how well students do on standardized exams when more time is spent with rigorous lessons than with the rote learning so frequently seen as necessary. If you know of any, please drop me a comment!