Evaluate Two Options

Worked classroom example

Geography

Worked example

“The upstream basin stores more water, reducing peak flow, whereas the wall protects a smaller built-up area. I recommend the basin for the whole catchment, although it requires more land.”

Teaching sequence

1. Prepare a map and short descriptions of two flood-management plans. Introduce evaluate two options with one clear success criterion: compare the options against a shared criterion, weigh one advantage and limitation for each and finish with a justified recommendation.
2. Model one short example from two flood-management plans. Think aloud about the language choice and the subject evidence; invite learners to test the example with a partner.
3. Learners apply the move to a new piece of Geography content. Use the prompt “Which criterion matters most to your recommendation?” to check whether their language matches their evidence.
4. Collect one independent response. Check whether the recommendation follows from the comparison and acknowledges a trade-off. Record one next step and adjust the scaffold to what this response shows.

Try it tomorrow

Compare the options against a shared criterion, weigh one advantage and limitation for each and finish with a justified recommendation.

Independent check

Check whether the recommendation follows from the comparison and acknowledges a trade-off.

Scaffold built into this activity: Less scaffold

Use a decision grid with criterion, evidence and impact; rehearse a recommendation orally.

Teacher language

Ask learners to point to the evidence, wording or feature behind their answer. Give thinking time before inviting a revision.

Adjust the support

More support

Use a decision grid with criterion, evidence and impact; rehearse a recommendation orally.

Greater independence

Add a cost or community constraint and ask learners to revise the recommendation.

Use the response to choose the next step; the scaffold label describes this activity design, not the learner.