Solo Taxonomy

SOLO Taxonomy

SOLO stands for Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome. The taxonomy is a useful way to characterise different levels of questions in exams and the corresponding responses expected from students. It originates from Biggs and Collis (1982).

Pre-structural
• Students are acquiring pieces of unconnected information
• No organisation
• No overall sense

Uni-structural
• Students makes simple and obvious connections
• The significance of the connections is not demonstrated

Multi-structural
• Students make a number of connections
• The significance of the relationship between connections is not demonstrated

Relational Level
• Students demonstrate the relationship between connections
• Students demonstrate the relationship between connections and the whole

Extended Abstract Level
• Students make connections beyond the immediate subject area
• Students generalise and transfer the principles form the specific to the abstract