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Considering Options

This support material is incorporated into critical challenges at Kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12, however, it can be adapted for use at all grade levels.

The Considering Options charts help students consider the merits of one or more possibilities in light of a set of criteria. For example, students might judge which of two sources of information is more helpful by considering factors, such as Are the sources up-to-date (i.e., new information)? Do they provide the information needed? Is the information easy to find? Alternatively, students might judge which of two modes of travel is more effective by considering speed, cost, ease of travel and other factors. The following documents can be adapted and re-saved for your needs.

Options Checklist 
This chart is most suitable for students who are emergent readers and writers. To use the chart, students:

• circle a or an X to indicate whether or not each option meets the identified criteria
• complete the activity, as a class, using a copy of the chart on poster paper, perhaps with stick drawings or pictures to represent the options (for very young students).

Assessing Options 
An assessment rubric is available for this chart.

Meeting Specifications 
This chart helps students check whether or not a specific product, action or person meets agreed-upon criteria. To use this chart, students:

• list the criteria in the left-hand column
• circle yes or no to indicate whether each criteria is met (the scale can also be modified to include a symbol for partially met; e.g., ~
• provide evidence to support their conclusions.

Comparing Two Options 
This chart helps students compare two options in light of multiple criteria. The chart can also be expanded to examine three or four options. If sharing individually with younger students, you may find it helpful to enlarge the chart (i.e., 11" X 17") before copying. To use this chart, students:

• list factors or criteria to consider in the left-hand column
• record or have scribed relevant information for each factor under the respective options
• determine which option best meets the criteria.

Assessing Evidence 
An assessment rubric is available for this chart.

Examining Each Option 
This chart helps students compare many options in light of a few criteria. If sharing individually with younger students, you may find it helpful to enlarge the chart (i.e., 11" X 17") before copying. To use this chart, students:

• list factors or criteria to consider along the top row
• list options to consider in the left-hand column
• record or have scribed relevant information for each option, under the respective criteria
• determine which option best meets the criteria.

Assessing Evidence 
An assessment rubric is available for this chart.

Credits

Adapted from Critical Challenges Across the Curriculum series. Permission granted by The Critical Thinking Consortium for use by Alberta teachers.