‘Know…’, ‘Understand…’ or ‘Be Able To…'
‘Know…’, ‘Understand…’ or ‘Be Able To…’ is a technique that can help you write strong learning intentions. When using it, you include one of the following phrases within learning intention statements:
‘…specifically, to know…’, ‘
…specifically, to understand…’
‘…specifically, to be able to…’
For example:
We are learning about climate change, specifically, to know what is meant by ‘the greenhouse effect’.
We are learning about Hamlet, specifically, to understand the reasons he sought revenge.
We are learning about fractions, specifically, to be able to multiple fractions that have different denominators.
Why use this technique?
When writing learning intentions, it can be easy to fall into one of two pitfalls:
They focus on tasks and activities, rather than learning. For example, ‘Today’s learning intention is to complete all of the questions on page 55 of our textbook’.
They are vague and unfocused. For example, ‘We are learning about Hamlet’.
Use of ‘Know…’, ‘Understand…’ or ‘Be Able To…’ can help teachers avoid both pitfalls, focusing the purpose of a lesson on the development of specific knowledge, specific understanding or specific skills.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?