What do you know and what do you understand. These are a few ideas from some people I met recently.
I know about the icloud but I don’t understand it.
I know about car engines but I don’t understand how they work
I know my wife but I don’t understand her!!
As you can see there can be benefits for both knowledge and understanding!!
So with knowledge do we gain understanding?If we get enough knowledge, will we magically gain understanding from it?
Todays classrooms are focused on knowledge gatheringWorksheetsTextbookscurr guidelinesTests project based learning Discussions are teacher ledor overridden by the most confident or outspoken
With technology today we have unlimited access to knowledge anytime anywhere from around the world.How do we manage and use all of this knowledge.
The way we learn, communicate and socialise has changed.
Definition of Knowledge – fragmented facts and information
Definition of understanding – the real meaning of the facts and is holisticBoth knowledge and understanding both play a vital role in learning.
How do we assist kids to understand information and concepts?Constructivist PhilospophyEach person brings different knowledge, beliefs, and skills to the experience of learning.
We all construct new understandings by combining prior learning and new information, when ready to learn.
Each child makes choices about what new ideas to accept and how to fit them into their own views of the world.
Research tells us the foundation to deep understanding and achievement ..is discussion …interactive participationTeachers role Facilitate the skills needed so kids can make connections and links then create shared understandings.
In a collaborative classroom every idea is expected and welcomed by everyone as a valuable contribution to developing everyone’s understanding.current understandings, prior knowledge provides teachers with insight to misconceptions direction questioning.
Putting ideas together encourages intrinsic motivation to seek more knowledge and information especially if ideas contradict your own
Most of the learning is done collaboratively through discussion extending understanding, make connections and links, and scaffolding.
Knowledge is then transformed and improved in a safe, self- affirming atmosphere Responsibility and outcomes are shared as a community of learners.
Research has identified two more important roles: The teacher knew when to intervene when to let the conversation continue even if it was incorrect. Kids were evaluated on their language
So what is the difference between knowledge and understanding?Can you see it in your classroom?