The SOLO taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome), which is based on the study of outcomes in a variety of academic content areas, was used to classify the student learning outcomes for the student work gathered, as well as outcomes and activities observed during the classroom observation. “As students learn, the outcomes of their learning display similar stages of increasing structural complexity. There are two main changes: quantitative, as the amount of detail in the student's response increases, and qualitative, as the amount of detail becomes integrated into a structural pattern” (Biggs, 2003). The SOLO taxonomy thus provides a means of evaluating at which level instructors and students were operating.

SOLO category	Representation	Type of outcome
Unanticipated Extension (Extended Abstract)		Create                        Synthesise Hypothesise               Validate Predict                        Debate Theorise
Logically Related (Relational)		Apply                         Outline Distinguish                 Analyse Classify                      Contrast Summarise                Categorise
Multiple Points (Multistructural)		Explain                       Define List                             Solve Describe                    Interpret
Single Point (Unistructural)		State                  Recognise Recall                        Quote Note                           Name

Note: The terms in brackets are the original nomenclature used by Biggs (Biggs, 2003).

Adapted from: Center for Learning Enhancement and Research (CLEAR), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (n.d.). The SOLO taxonomy as a guide to setting and marking assessment .

• Taxonomy of Solo Verbs

• SOLO Assessment Grid

• SOLO Assessment Criteria for Written Work