Being able to comprehend the difference between learning something and understanding something can be complex, but it is essential to help students grow into well rounded people. I understand this as an educator, but there was a time when I was going through something very similar to my own students.
The experience that I discussed was my experience with AP(Advanced Placement) Calculus in high school. I didn't like math, but I was still smart enough to take honors classes. My senior year I took AP Calculus to avoid taking math in college. I struggled in the class and I became so frustrated that I focused on absorbing content instead of understanding it. It was not until studying for the AP test that I understood what I was doing. The difference is that learning something is a very basic level of understanding that has little ability of transferring to other contexts (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000, p.19). Understanding is a deeper level that allows a student to apply the knowledge or skills to different concepts or disciplines.
I used that experience to relate to my students and the importance of the MAET(Masters in Educational Technology) program in my career. That experience makes me think deeper about what my students bring into the classroom (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000, p.19). We are building skills by relating to what they bring into the classroom. I need to show them the importance of what we are doing and make it relevant. The important thing is the skills we are developing and taking learning into their own hands(Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2000, p.23). I am hoping this time in the MAET program helps improve how my students build and understand technological skills that can help them become well rounded people.
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References:
Bransford, J., Brown, A.L. & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience and school. National Academy Press.
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