The second chapter of Fair Isn’t Always Equal, by Rick Wormeli, focused on the importance of student understanding and mastery of information provided. It is important to note the difference between mastery and memorization (non-mastery): mastery is interpreting and understanding as a way to make use of information gained, while memorizing is merely momentary internalization for the purpose of recitation. In Understanding by Design the authors, Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe, provide the six facets of learning: explanation, interpretation, application, perspective, empathy, and self-knowledge. Wormeli uses these facets to explain the difference between mastery and non-mastery of knowledge. As a student, I know very well the difference between mastery and learning; mastery is when I am able to use those skills a week later without a refresher. The idea of mastery vs. non-mastery should constantly be burning in the back of every teachers’ mind.
Additionally, as the teacher it is crucial to understand why you want your students develop an understanding and mastery of what you teach. How will it help them? Would their time be better spent elsewhere? After deciding on teaching the lesson, the educator must be able to assess the level of mastery in the classroom, using the six facets of learning can help monitor classroom success. Ultimately, a teacher's success is not measured solely by their lesson or the amount of students that like them, but rather the percentage of mastered material.
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