FIAE Chapter 2

This chapter talks about mastery, deciding what objectives are important, and also deciding appropriate evaluations of mastery. I thought that it was great that this chapter started right off with a definition of mastery. One definition of mastery that really stood out to me was from McTighe and Wiggins, and they said, “True understanding manifests itself by spontaneous applications.” I took this as if a student has a true understanding of a subject they will use the information without even thinking about it. I think it’s important as teachers that we know the difference between mastery, and being able to recall or recite information. We will want our students be able to think critically about the information we give them, and be able to apply it. However, as teachers it is also our job to pick out what is important for students to know because we can’t teach everything. This chapter was very helpful in providing many sources that teachers have when it comes to having to make these decisions. It will be important for me as a teacher to keep in mind the difference between my students being able to recite information, and actually being able to apply it. This means I will need to present them with appropriate opportunities to show their mastery. I will also need to have clear objectives that my students are able to understand, and using the many resources available to me I will be able to make the decision of what is need and what isn’t.