Problem Solvers Not Parrots
http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae/winter2002/willingham.cfm
This article discusses the differences between rote and inflexible knowledge, and what that means in terms of student’s learning. Rote knowledge is basically memorizing form in the absence of meaning. Students will memorize something but have no clue what it means and will not be able to transfer it to another experience. They have a complete disconnect from the understanding. Inflexible knowledge is meaningful but narrow. The students somewhat understand the information but still are not able to transfer it to a new experience. It is like they have skimmed the surface of the structure without going deep within. But researchers believe that inflexible knowledge is the unavoidable foundation of learning. Our minds are wired to understand concrete rather than abstract material. So when we learn a new theory or skill we can only apply it in the learned setting and not transfer the learning to a new experience. Over time with practice that knowledge should shift to flexible knowledge, which is what is desired.
This article opened my eyes to the different types of knowledge and how they affect learning. Just like many others, I didn’t realize there was really a difference between rote and inflexible knowledge. I thought they were pretty much the same and negative. Now I understand the inflexible knowledge is really just a step in the learning process. It is how we first view a new skill or idea. We understand its basic outer layer but have trouble applying it in the real world. With practice and studying we can dig deeper into the layers until we have reached the core; which means using that learned skill with a full understanding of how and why.
It is really important for teachers to understand the difference between rote and inflexible knowledge. Tests that are made to have students only recall facts or dates only promote rote learning. Assessments should require some creative thought produces on behalf of the student. Also it is important for teachers to recognize that inflexible knowledge is unavoidable and just part of the process of learning. Students should practice skills in different settings and work on applying theories to different situations so they can more quickly get deeper into the understanding. In lessons plans teachers should try to implement culturally responsive and creative context so that students can more easily relate to the material and make meaning.
I did find this article interesting. I could really relate to it on a personal level. I know when I am in a class, history for example, I usually only have rote or inflexible knowledge. Because I don’t enjoy the subject and struggle to relate to it, I form no connections with the context. I can receipt facts and dates but there it little or no meaning behind it. I know that if I were to study it more and try to make personal connections than I could work on that knowledge and turn it flexible which is what is wanted.