Understand

Next stop in the hierarchy…. “UNDERSTAND”!

In this stage, persons begin to infer or interpret something from the information received.  When learners understand, they are no longer reciting the information; they can now actually explain the information in their own words. 

Previously, the learner could simply recite that 4 x 7 = 28, but now she can explain it!

When learners understand, they can do these functions:

Summarize, Explain, Paraphrase, comprehend

As an instructor, how can you check for understanding?

Start the conversation, get them involved in the topic, try out some of these questions (verbally, on paper, in discussion groups) ….

• How is ___________ similar to/different from ___________?
• What are the characteristics/parts of __________?
• In what other way might we show/illustrate ________?
• What is the big idea/key concept in __________?
• How does _________ relate to _________?
• What ideas/details can you add to _________?
• Give an example of ___________.
• What is wrong with __________?
• What might you infer from _________?
• What conclusions might be drawn from ___________?
• What might happen if ____________?
• What criteria might you use to judge/evaluate ____________?
• What evidence supports ______________?
• How might we prove/confirm ____________?
• How might this be viewed from the perspective of ___________?
• What alternatives should be considered?
• What approach/strategy could you use to ___________?
• How else might you say ___________?

Sometimes students actually DEMONSTRATE their understanding!

Check out this ski lesson:

Reference

Assist Beginning Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved from 

http://assist.educ.msu.edu/ASSIST/classroom/assesses_learning/Sec1_plan_teach/Str2_ongoing_assessment/tool_check_understanding.htm