Unpacking the 6 Facets of Understanding: A Deep Dive into John Wiggins’ Theory

In the world of education, there are many theories and models that aim to explain how students learn and retain knowledge. One such model is the 6 Facets of Understanding, developed by educator John Wiggins. This theory focuses on six different aspects of understanding that students must master to truly grasp a concept or idea. In this article, we will explore these six facets in depth and discuss how they can be applied in the classroom to enhance student learning.

Facet 1: Explanation

The first facet of understanding is explanation. This refers to an individual’s ability to articulate their understanding of a topic in their own words. When students can explain a concept in their own words, it demonstrates that they have a deep understanding of the material. To foster explanation, teachers can encourage students to verbalize their thought processes during class discussions, encourage group work and collaboration, and use open-ended questions.

Facet 2: Interpretation

Interpretation is the second facet of understanding. This involves analyzing and evaluating information to assign meaning to it. When students can interpret information, they can draw connections and make clear distinctions between different concepts. Teachers can promote interpretation by asking students to analyze texts, compare and contrast various concepts, and evaluate sources of information.

Facet 3: Application

The third facet of understanding is application. This involves utilizing knowledge in new and unique ways to solve problems and create innovative solutions. When students can apply their understanding in new contexts, they demonstrate a deeper level of learning. To promote application, teachers can incorporate real-world problems into their lesson plans, encourage creativity, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning.

Facet 4: Perspective

Perspective is the fourth facet of understanding. This involves considering different viewpoints and analyzing different perspectives on a topic or issue. When students have a well-rounded perspective, they can empathize with others and make informed decisions. To promote perspective-taking, teachers can encourage students to consider multiple viewpoints, incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into their lesson plans, and provide opportunities for discussion and debate.

Facet 5: Empathy

Empathy is the fifth facet of understanding. This involves understanding and relating to others’ experiences and emotions. When students can empathize with others, they can build relationships and work collaboratively. To promote empathy, teachers can encourage active listening, provide opportunities for community service and volunteer work, and incorporate social-emotional learning into their lesson plans.

Facet 6: Self-Knowledge

The sixth facet of understanding is self-knowledge. This involves understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses, as well as learning style and preferences. When students have self-knowledge, they can advocate for their own learning and make informed decisions. To promote self-knowledge, teachers can encourage self-reflection, provide opportunities for individualized learning, and support students in identifying and pursuing their interests.

Conclusion

John Wiggins’ 6 Facets of Understanding provide a powerful framework for promoting deep and meaningful learning. By focusing on explanation, interpretation, application, perspective, empathy, and self-knowledge, educators can help students to truly master concepts and ideas. By incorporating these facets into their teaching practices, teachers can create a classroom environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.