Continuum of Complexity – adapted from Brulles
Lowest Degree
Highest Degree
Degree of Assistance and Support
Teacher directs
instruction
Teacher facilitates
instruction
Peer assistance
Autonomous and
independent
Degree of Structure
Templates and
organizers provided
Parameters detailed
and prescribed
Parameters openended
Student created
structure
Rate of Instructional Support
Slower with multiple
examples
Repetition and
practice at grade level
development
Minimal repetition
and practice required
Accelerated learning
rate
Concrete to More Abstract
Hands-on and
manipulatives
needed
Teacher-provided
open-ended
organizers
Deductive and
inductive
reasoning
Abstract thinking
and interpretation
is required
Metaphorical
thinking and
symbolism
Quantity of Resources
Single resource provided
by the teacher
Single resource provided
by the student
Multiple resources
provided by the teacher
Multiple resources
provided by the student
Background Knowledge and Skills
Teacher provided
multiple avenues
to build
Basic
understanding is
evident
Understanding at
grade level
Extensive
knowledge base
Beyond grade
level expertise
needed
Content dense with
complex-level
vocabulary
Sophisticated
applications of
technology and
academic vocabulary
Complexity of Resources
Below grade level
readability
Grade level resources
provided
Above grade level
readability
Complexity of Process
Well-known and
practiced process
used
Process less
practiced but with
few steps
Task is short-term,
completed in a
single sitting
Task is long-term
with extended time
on task
Requires simple
research skills
Process involves
new experience
and multiple steps
Advanced research
skills and
independent work
behaviors required
Complexity of Product
Single answer, fill in
the blank product
Typical, well-known
product required
Integrates grade-level
skills and concepts
Product is new
experience but
parameter structured
and clearly defined
Product parameters
more open-ended and
unspecified
Product is complex
with integrated
advanced skills and
concepts
Complexity of the Thinking Skills
Memorization or repetition
is required
Comprehension and
understanding required
Application and analysis
are required
Complex thinking requires
synthesis, evaluation, and
creativity