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