From Gatekeeper to Waymaker: Reframing Rigor Through Empathy

As we wade into midterm season, it can be helpful to remind ourselves of the importance of structuring our classes and assignments in ways that clearly communicate our expectations rather than creating obstacles to students’ full engagement with the intellectual work we want them to be doing.

Crystal Donlan writes: “Rigor is about cognitive demand, not obscurity. Waymaking asks: 

  • Have I clearly articulated what high-quality work looks like?
  • Have I modeled the thinking process required?
  • Have I provided opportunities for practice before high-stakes evaluation?
  • Have I distinguished between cognitive rigor and facilitative rigidity?”

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