Strategies to Support 2e Learners

5. Supporting Rigor Using a Matrix

Another excellent resource for increasing rigor in the classroom is the work of Dr. Karin Hess.  

Dr. Hess has created a series of Cognitive Rigor Matrices (CRMs) for many content areas where she has combined the work of Bloom and Webb. Her matrix incorporates:

• Bloom – What type of thinking (verbs) is needed to complete a task?

• Webb – How deeply do you have to understand the content to successfully interact with it? How complex or abstract is the content?

Take a few minutes to study a matrix that applies to your educational area.  An example of the reading matrix is below, but other content areas can be found on her website: Cognitive Rigor and Depth of Knowledge.

Hess Cognitive Rigor Matrix (Reading CRM)

Dr. Donna Ford has created a website that not only provides samples of different matrices, but also includes an article: Using the Blooms–Banks Matrix to Develop Multicultural Differentiated Lessons for Gifted Students Michelle Trotman Scott, PhD1.  This provides another great way to incorporate relevant topics for our 2e students.