Enduring Understanding

When I was reading the chapters, I developed a "wow", I didn't know that. I started to do a true reflection of my own teachings. I think that I was doning more of coverage than in-depth teaching. I was impressed with the "multifacetd view of understanding". Through my own education I didn't have a full understanding, I memorized to pass ( especially in high school. I teach pre-k so know I am truly aware now if i am teaching for understanding or just to cover the materials (e.g. knowing all the alphabet by the end of the school year).



Every time I write my lesson plans i provided some open ended questions. ASfter reading the chapter on essential questions, I realized that my question are geared toward the "twin sins". I somewhat feel that I have failed my previous students because, I didn't have the true understanding of how to teach effectively and provided. I didn't learn any of this during my alternate route program.



Teachers have to grapple with providing lesson that students can:explain, interpret, apply, have prespective, empathize and to have self-knowledge. Teachers have to make sure that students are not just memorizing but have the knowledge and ability to explain the why and how questions. Teachers also have to provide the esential questions that are "thought provoking".