However, when comparing Teacher 2’s selection of instructional materials to the
Observation Tool (Appendix C), the selected assignment was not characteristic of a
rigorous task. Part of critical thinking, in the Observation Tool is described as making
complex choices and justifying results. T2’s question sheet for the Great Depression
corresponded with various bar graphs and consisted of questions that were all basic
inquiries that asked students to recall one-word answers. For instance, one question
asked, “What year showed the worst stock progress? Unemployment?” After being
shown many graphs that show economic decline, the most thought provoking question, of
“Why do you think Hoover was not re-elected?” only elicited a correct answer without a
student comprehensively grasping the economic collapse of the 1930’s.