This document discusses using SOLO taxonomy to classify levels of learning from shallow to deep. It provides examples to illustrate the levels from pre-structural to extended abstract. At pre-structural level, information is disconnected with no organization. Multi-structural level shows connections but overall meaning is missing. Relational level shows full connections and meaning. Extended abstract level involves synthesis that goes beyond the subject. Science and English examples are given to demonstrate applying the taxonomy.

1. Solo Taxonomy
Challenging the Most Able Pupils

2. Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes developed by Biggs and Collis 1982

3. Using SOLO taxonomy to move from shallow learning to deep learning.
Extended
abstract
HA
student
s
Learning
goes
beyond
the subject
and links
are made
to
other
concepts /
generalisation
s
Uni structural
Simple
connection
s made
Multi structuralbut
significance
of parts to
overall
meaning
are missing
Learning
shows
connections
made
Relational
Learning
shows full
connections
are made
Are made.
There is
synthesis of
parts to the
overall
meaning
Pre structural
Unconnecte
d
information,
no
organisation
Deep
learning
Shallow
learning

4. Extended
abstract
Uni structural
Multi structural
Different
habitats are
characterise
d by
different
living things.
Plants and
animals live
in habitats
Relational
Pre structural
I am not
sure what
a habitat
is
A habitat is
a place.
Environmental
factors in a
habitat affect an
organism’s
chances of
survival and
reproduction
E.G. a lake
habitat is
suited to
survival and
reproduction
of ducks,
swans,
water
beetles and
leeches .
Environmental
factors in a
habitat affect an
organism’s
chances of
survival and
reproduction.
E.G. a lake
habitat is
suited to
survival and
reproduction
of ducks,
swans,
water
beetles and
leeches .
I think we
should take
more care
about habitats
because
changes
affect the
survival and
reproduction
of organisms
that live
there.
Science Example

5. The
Witches
Macbeth
ambition
Banquo
Lady
Macbeth
murder
Duncan
power
friendship
Using your knowledge of the play explain some key relationships
Multi structural becomes Relational
How does Shakespeare connect Macbeth with
friendship and ambition?
Relational becomes extended abstract level
Banquo Macbeth
friendship
ambition
Lady
Macbeth
power
Banquo Macbeth
friendship
ambition
Lady
Macbeth
power
Challenge HA students
by getting them to
explore the nodes at
which the hexagons
intersect.
English Example

6. How did the class system affect the
death toll on the Titanic?
Ship builders
The Captain
He wanted to
get to New
York in
record time
The
shipbuilders
because they
used inferior
materials.
Insufficient
lifejackets
The
Passengers
The crew
The Titanic
Insufficient
lifeboats
An iceberg
Blank s for
students to add
own comments
or links
The Captain
Ship builders
The crew
Key staff
were asleep or
performing
other duties.
Lifeboats
were removed
to give 1st
class more
spaceMore lifeboats
would have
speeded the
evacuation
More third
class
passengers
died because
they were
further from
the lifeboats
Relational becomes extended abstract level
students can explore the different
theories making links … creating
quality debates.
Who or what was to blame for the
sinking of the Titanic?
The Titanic
Students choose hexagon –
prepopulated or blank to write on
themselves
Multi structural becomes Relational