The term Academic Rigor refers to setting high standards for the students. It is the fine line between challenging and frustrating students and is set by professors and administrators as a benchmark for their students. These standards are communicated to students using instruction, examples, and rubrics. Although sometimes these instructions are not clearly defined by the professors. Setting this benchmark helps students to have a goal and gives them the necessary nudge to perform better.
To establish the appropriate degree of Academic Rigor, instructors need to demonstrate to students the expected outcome overtly. Some key classroom characteristics that communicate the set standards are providing a classroom environment, expressing belief in the student’s capability, and an opportunity for students to revise their academic attempts.
Apart from that, thought-provoking questions from both the teachers’ and students’ end, promoting critical thinking, are also vital. It’s foremost for teachers to equip their students with the right instructional patterns and requisite materials in the content that they are covering.
By systematically scaffolding lessons and organizing materials, teachers can help students in progress. Apart from that, constant intervention, communicating with parents, and being available outside the classrooms can also help. But that’s not enough. Providing students with equal opportunities to demonstrate their learnings and letting them reflect is vital. Academic advisors are of the opinion that academic rigor helps in setting the career on the right path.
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