Cubing
Class Size
Small Group
Time
15-25 min
Technology
None
Domain
Cognitive
Difficulty
Intermediate
Delivery
Face-to-Face, Hybrid
Overview
Cubing asks students to examine a topic from six different perspectives, one for each face of a cube: Describe it, Compare it, Associate it, Analyze it, Apply it, and Argue for or against it. Each face prompts a different cognitive process.
Educational Purpose
Students often examine a topic from only one angle. Cubing forces six different thinking operations, producing a more thorough and flexible understanding. It also reveals which thinking operations students find easy or difficult.
Educational Psychology Behind It
Multi-perspective analysis research shows that examining a concept through multiple cognitive processes deepens understanding and improves transfer. The six faces map to Bloom's taxonomy levels.
Why It Works
Multi-perspective analysis research shows that examining a concept through multiple cognitive processes deepens understanding and improves transfer. The six faces map to Bloom's taxonomy levels.
When to Use It
Use for reviewing a concept, exploring a topic before writing, or deepening understanding after a lesson. Works in any subject. Grade 4 and up. Can be done with actual cubes or numbered prompts.
When NOT to Use It
Avoid for very simple topics that cannot sustain six perspectives. Avoid with students unfamiliar with the cognitive operations. Do not rush -- each face needs adequate thinking time.
Best Grade Levels
Grades Grade 4 to Grade 10
Best Subjects
All subjects
Step-by-Step Classroom Guide
- 1Create or use a cube with six prompts: Describe, Compare, Associate, Analyze, Apply, Argue.
- 2Present the topic clearly.
- 3Students roll the cube (or receive assigned prompts).
- 4For each face, students respond in writing or orally for 2-3 minutes.
- 5After all six faces are complete, students review their responses for patterns and insights.
- 6Share and discuss: Which face was easiest? Hardest? Most surprising?
Classroom Scenario
Ms. Reyes teaches Grade 8 English. The topic: the concept of 'heroism' in the novel they are reading. Describe: What are the characteristics of a hero? Compare: How does this hero compare to a real-life hero like Jose Rizal? Associate: What images, songs, or events come to mind? Analyze: What motivates this hero? What are their flaws? Apply: How would this hero handle a current social issue? Argue: Is this character truly a hero or a flawed person? Students discover that 'Argue' is the hardest because it requires a stance.
Sample Dialogue
Advantages
- Forces six different cognitive operations on one topic
- Reveals strengths and weaknesses in different thinking modes
- Adaptable to any subject and topic
- Engaging with physical cubes
- Produces rich material for writing or discussion
Limitations
- Six perspectives on a simple topic can feel forced
- Requires understanding of each cognitive operation
- Takes time to do well
- Some faces (Associate, Analyze) are harder for students than others
Common Mistakes
- Rushing through faces without adequate thinking time
- Not debriefing which faces were difficult and why
- Using cubing as a game instead of a thinking tool
- Not connecting the six responses into a synthesis
Variations & Adaptations
Adjust the number of tiers, choices, or contract options based on the range of readiness levels in the class.
Technology Integration
This strategy requires no technology. If desired, enhance with digital tools such as Google Docs for collaborative writing or Padlet for sharing responses.
Assessment Ideas
Assess through observation of participation, quality of differentiation, and formative checks such as exit tickets or quick writes.
Reflection Questions
🤔 What did you learn from this activity?
🤔 What was the most challenging part?
🤔 How could you use this strategy in a different subject?
🤔 What would you do differently next time?
References & Further Reading
- Gregory, G. & Chapman, C. (2002). Differentiated Instructional Strategies. Corwin Press.