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Welcome to the Guide
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Higher Order Thinking (HOTS)
Moving Beyond Recall
PD Session Overview
Explore the 6 levels of cognitive complexity and learn how to ask questions that challenge students to apply, analyze, and create.
The Thinking Ladder: From Recall to Creation
Combining parts to make a new whole
"How would you design...?" "What would happen if...?"
Judging the value of information
"Do you agree with...?" "Prioritize the best solution..."
Breaking down information into component parts
"What is the relationship between...?" "Compare and contrast..."
Applying the facts to a new situation
"How would you use...?" "Solve this using..."
Understanding what the facts mean
"Summarize the main idea..." "Explain in your own words..."
Recognizing and recalling facts
"List the..." "Define..." "Who, What, Where...?"
Question Transformation Lab
The Art of Upgrading Cognitive Demand
The Ask:
"What is photosynthesis?"
⚠️ Requires only memory recall.
The Upgrade:
"Compare how photosynthesis differs in a cactus versus a fern given their environments."
✅ Requires analysis of conditions and biological adaptation.
The Ask:
"Identify the main character's decision in Chapter 3."
⚠️ Requires identifying facts from text.
The Upgrade:
"Predict how the story would end if the character made the opposite choice in Chapter 3."
✅ Requires synthesis of character traits and plot projection.
Instant Upgrade Formula
Don't rewrite the whole lesson. Just add one of these stems to your existing question: