Why Understanding Matters More Than Memorising in Education

Waldens Path School children - Teaching For Understanding.

Teaching for Understanding: Strategies for Deep Learning

As parents, we often wonder: Is my child genuinely understanding what they learn at school, or are they just memorising facts for the next test?

In today’s world, where knowledge is readily available, the ability to deeply understand concepts and apply them in real life is more important than ever. That’s where the “Teaching for Understanding” approach, developed through research at Harvard University, comes in.

What is “Teaching for Understanding”?

The “Teaching for Understanding” framework focuses on helping students grasp the deeper meaning behind what they’re learning. Instead of simply teaching to the test or covering a broad syllabus, this approach encourages students to connect new ideas to what they already know and apply their learning creatively and practically.

Imagine your child learning about fractions in math. Instead of just solving problems in a workbook, they might explore fractions by baking a cake, cutting slices, and understanding how the parts make up a whole. This method turns abstract concepts into tangible, meaningful learning experiences.

Why Deep Learning Matters for Your Child

  1. Genuine Understanding: Students learn to memorise and truly understand concepts, making them more confident in their knowledge.
  2. Problem-Solving Skills: Children develop the ability to think critically and solve problems by engaging in real-life scenarios.
  3. Lifelong Learning: This approach instils a love for learning as children see the relevance of their education in everyday life.
  4. Adaptability: Children who can apply their knowledge creatively will thrive in a constantly changing world.

Strategies Used in the “Teaching for Understanding” Approach

  1. Big Questions: Teachers begin with questions that spark curiosity and require thoughtful answers. For example, “How does the food we eat affect our health?” encourages science, math, and even ethics exploration.
  2. Active Engagement: Students participate in hands-on activities, projects, and discussions that bring lessons to life.
  3. Reflection: Children are encouraged to think about what they’ve learned, why it matters, and how they can use it in real life.
  4. Real-World Connections: Lessons are tied to practical situations so students understand how their education applies beyond the classroom.
  5. Collaborative Learning: Group work helps students share ideas, learn from each other, and develop communication skills.

How Can Parents Support This Approach at Home?

  1. Encourage Questions: Let your child ask “why” and “how” as much as they like—it’s the key to deeper learning.
  2. Make Connections: Relate their school lessons to everyday experiences. For example, take a grocery store trip to discuss budgeting or nutrition.
  3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Acknowledge your child’s curiosity and persistence rather than just their grades.
  4. Be Curious Together: Explore topics with your child, showing them that learning is a lifelong journey.

Walden’s Path School: Embracing Teaching for Understanding

At Walden’s Path School, we believe in nurturing each child’s potential through meaningful and engaging education. That’s why we’ve adopted the “Teaching for Understanding“ framework in our classrooms. Whether exploring science through experiments, diving into history through storytelling, or using art to understand math, our goal is to help children develop a deep and lasting understanding of what they learn.

By making education relevant, interactive, and enjoyable, we ensure that our students don’t just learn — they grow into confident, capable individuals ready to take on future challenges. At Walden’s Path, we’re proud to offer an education that inspires curiosity, fosters creativity, and prepares children for a lifetime of success.

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