Chapter 4: The Six Facets of Understanding

In Chapter 4. Wiggins explains that there are six facets to follow when we teach, in order to make learning as fruitful as possible.

The author in this chapter suggests that there is a difference between understanding and knowledge, and that this distinction is paramount to education. Understanding has several meanings, and it cannot be classified as an achievement. Instead, it is more accurately to say that understanding is but the sum of achievements, and it is perceptible through transference. However, someone is able to show their understanding when they are able to teach, proof, explain, infer, and so on.

Therefore, the author states that we could divide the process of understanding into six facets that if we have them clear, then a richer understanding would be boosted.

The facets are:

1.Explanation: basically, this facet is concerned with the ability to understand through question what they at first did not know. Inquiry-based learning would be a perfect example for this.

2. Interpretation: The students can narrate stories, tell something about them or events, or can use analogies, express their understanding through pictures and so on. Basically, production.

3. Application: the learner is able to apply his understanding with no further problems in several contexts and through different ways.

4. Have Perspective: To be able to see the big picture of things, to show ones' own perspective and to understand others' critically.

5. Empathy: to empathize with others, or to be able to relate to others' experiences.

6. Self-knowledge: to show awareness of what is unknown for us, to have clear our limits and to reflect on them