How do we know if a student has actually learned the material we taught (or which we think we taught) in class? Well the first step is in realizing that knowing about a subject and understanding it are two very different things. As it is described on page 65 "Knowledge is binary— you either know something or you don't." Knowing can be determined through true or false quizzes, but understanding would involve a student having to deeply think about a question or concept, and often would find it easier to write out their view and explain the varying parts of their thoughts. Knowledge is great, but understanding is where we should be going as teachers.
Albert Einstein said "You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." So how do we know when a student truly understands? Well, you see if they have met the six facets of understanding. Firstly, can they explain their ideas and reasonings? Can they interpret the subject and translate to someone else? Can they apply it in diverse contexts? Can they use different perspectives or explain their own? Can they display empathy, finding value in the subject? And lastly, do they have self-knowledge, meaning they can perceive and break-down the way they view things?
So, if your student has done all of these things, time to shower them with praise right? Wrong. Though praise when deserved is great, remember that they'll take you more seriously if you offer suggestions and criticism alongside the praise. Try to make the praise more specific than "good job", listing examples and pointing out aspects of the project which you felt they did well with. Students have been shown to take their projects more seriously if they feel they have something to work on, and can identify it.
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