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Dimension 3 |
Extending and Refining Knowledge
Students don't really own declarative and procedural knowledge until they process the knowledge for greater understanding through activities designed to help them apply and refine that knowledge. The Dimensions of Learning framework includes eight specific thinking processes suitable for extending and refining knowledge:
• Comparing • Classifying • Abstracting • Inductive Reasoning • Deductive Reasoning • Constructing Support • Analyzing Errors • Analyzing Perspectives 1. Comparing
How are these things alike?
How are they different?
2. Classification
Into what groups could you organize these things?
What are the rules for membership in each group?
What are the defining characteristics of each group?
3. Induction
Based on the following facts (or observations), what can you conclude?
Based on this information, what is a likely conclusion?
4. Deduction
Based on the following generalizations (or rules or principles) what predictions can you make or what conclusions can you draw that must be true?
If you know that has happened, then what do you know will have to occur?
What are the conditions that make this conclusion inevitable?
5. Error Analysis
What are the errors in reasoning in the following information?
How is this information misleading?
6. Constructing Support
What is an argument that would support this claim?
What are the limitations of or assumptions underlying this argument?
How is this information trying to persuade you?
7. Abstraction
What is the general pattern underlying this information?
To what other situations can this general pattern be applied?
8. Analyzing Perspectives
Why would someone consider this to be good (or bad or neutral)?
What is the reasoning behind this perspective?
What is an alternative perspective and what is the reasoning behind it?
Examples of DOL Graphic Organizers for Dimension 3
For additional information or assistance call the Community Instructional Specialist for your cluster or Antoinette Kellaher, Department of Staff Development, (301-805-2700).
The Dimensions of Learning Teachers' Manual
Observing Dimensions of Learning in Classrooms and Schools (Brown-ASCD), and related materials can be borrowed from the Bonnie Johns Teacher Resource Library (301-386-1605).
Click here for Dimensions of Learning Graphic Organizers Page
