What Is a Low Inference Observation?

Low Inference

What is a Low Inference Observation? It’s a description of observable facts or events, without interpretation; something you notice using a low degree of subjectivity. It’s just the facts, not your opinion. It’s a noticing, not a judgment.

Here are some statements made after looking at different samples of student work.  Which are written in low inference and which are written in high inference? How can you tell?  How can we change the high inference statement into low-inference statements?

1. The student doesn’t know how to add fractions. 2. This child did not understand the assignment. 3. There are five spelling mistakes in this essay. 4. This student is an English Language Learner. 5. Two causes for the American Revolution are listed.

Low-Inference Protocol

Teachers work in pairs.

1. Teacher A shares the context of the assignment, grading criteria, and student work with Teacher B. (5 minutes)

For example, “This is a 9th grade CTT English class. There are 27 students in the class. We just finished reading ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ I designed this assignment with my fellow 9th grade teachers. The students had one week to complete the work…”

2. Teacher B shares the context of the assignment, grading criteria, and student work with Teacher A. (5 minutes)

3. Teacher A gives Teacher B the assignment, grading criteria, and three samples of student work; Teacher B does the same.

4. Both teachers independently read over the assignment, grading criteria, and three samples of student work and complete Low Inference Noticings handout. Please remember to keep your comments in low inference! You are jotting down just the facts—you are not judging the teacher or the students. (10 minutes)

5. Both teachers share their low inference observations. If someone states a judgment or assumption, have them restate it in low inference. (10 minutes)