Determine a key outcome variable (something that can be measured quantifiably)
Describe two possible but opposing positions/options
The options must seem reasonable
The students must select one position to support
Step 2: Develop an authentic scenario
Determine an authentic, real-world situation
Identify a role the student will perform/play
The students must understand the stakes or consequences that will result based on their decision
Step 3: Create the Task Library
Identify/revise/create “documents” that support both sides of the opposing position
“Documents” refer to any media (e.g., text, print, audio, video, images, charts, tables, etc.)
The documents are in presented as they would be in the real world
Information in the documents in the task library may or may not conflict with each other
Depending on the outcomes, information in the documents may include common or popular misunderstandings, opinion, or distracters
No clear answer in support of one option or the other should be evident
Sample Task Library
Note: These are the suggested documents from CLA. Some variation is possible.
Document A: Suggests the possibility of some bias (e.g., report, letter, e-mail, editorial)
Document B: Provide more context. Highlights one of the options (e.g., magazine article, blog, newsletter)
Document C: Present quantitative data. Data may suggest positive correlations but are presented in formats that cannot be compared (e.g., percentages vs. frequency). In the example, two tables begin with the same unit but have unrelated information.
Document D: Provides information in support of the position opposite of Document B (e.g., research report, white paper, brief, etc.).
Document E:A graph that can be misinterpreted to suggest a causal relationship between two variables.
Document F: A graph of data from Document C, which may show incorrect relationships (e.g., frequency vs. percentage).
Document G: Series of research studies or abstracts favoring one option, but may include sampling bias, inappropriate comparisons, or other inaccurate methods
Step 4: Determine process(es) students should follow to complete the task that mirror real-world process related to your content goals.
Some students may need scaffolding through templates or guides
Step 5: Describe the expected product or performance
