Theory Name: Teaching and Learning for Understanding
Authors: Perkins, David, Unger, Chris
Associated Learning Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory
Model Description
Teaching of Learning for Understanding is a theory of understanding and
a framework for the design of instruction that fosters understanding.
This is a school based model and was created with teachers.
Specification of Theory
(a) Goals and preconditions
Being able to apply knowledge with understanding, learn topics and be
genuinely motivated.
(b) Principles
“
A theory of understanding and a framework for the design of instruction
that fosters understanding.” p.94 Understanding performance displays
the learner’s understanding-so-far and then by asking the learning
to apply current understanding to solve complex problems, learning is
deepening and growing.
(c) Condition of learning
The classroom must foster public presentations. The key element of this
theory is student public display of knowledge. The learner needs to
relate to the material being taught, there must be a connection made
with the material the student for the student to retain the information
and display it as learned knowledge.
(d) Required media
None
(e) Role of facilitator
The student and teacher work together. They work together to understand
the goals of the topics they selected to study together. Students gain
understanding of content and the instructor provides feedback of students’ performances.
(f) Instructional strategies
1. The student and teacher has say in topics for study
2. The goals should be stated for all to know prior to learning
3. Then understanding the “performances” or what the assessments
will be.
4. The ongoing assessment should be provided by the teacher
(g) Assessment method
Assessment is ongoing, frequent and relevant to the material covered.
It is done publicly (in front of classmates) and the assessment is
an array of assessments (written exams, oral presentations, reading
outloud) and the assessment is used to gauge student/teacher progress
and to inform planning.
Formative Research & Application
(a) Tested context: K-12
(b) Research method: Qualitative
(c) Research description: Case studies in education (high school classrooms)
(d) Resources
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