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Making Learning Whole

Kim Schlesinger edited this page Nov 1, 2017 · 6 revisions

Making Learning Whole: How Seven Principles of Teaching Can Transform Education

by David Perkins

Context

When helping students learn complex topics, most curriculum designers and teachers turn to two strategies:

  • Elements first AKA elementitis
    • Learning the parts of something
  • Learning about AKA aboutitis
    • Learning about something without doing it

"Learning by wholes is a theory of teaching, or more broadly educating." (p.16)

"Education is choreography for learning, an effort to organize learning for greater timeliness, focus, effectiveness, and efficiency." (p.17)

The Seven Principles of Learning By Wholes

1. Play the Whole Game

  • Get people to a 'threshold experience' where we get beyond our inital confusion and into the game.
  • Problem finding is a key part of learning by wholes. Education is good at teaching problem solving.
  • Start with the junior version. Get creative.
    • The junior version doesn't have to be a big or long game.
    • There isn't a 'perfect' version of the junior version, so make a decision and play!
  • Constantin Stanislavsky (method acting) thoughtlines
    • Central themes that are relevant during an entire play

2. Make the Game Worth Playing

3. Work on the Hard Parts

4. Play Out of Town

5. Uncover the Hidden Game

6. Learn From the Team and Other Teams

7. Learn the Game of Learning

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