Chapter 7

What:
This chapter examines how we as human beings construct knowledge and beliefs about the world, society, and ourselves in them. It discusses how our future students may have formulated certain views, knowledge, and schema about the world. Regardless of the extent to which students acquire their understanding, either on their own or with the help of others, they all construct somewhat unique interpretations of the ideas and events they encounter both in and outside the classroom.

So What:
After reading and reviewing ch. 7, I feel more adequate in my ability to empathize with future students about their conception of knowledge. I will be able to make easier transitions when conceptual changes are needed because I now can understand how or why the student might have made their wrong assumptions.

Now What:
As a future teacher I want to promote “thinking” above any other concept, thus conceptualizing knowledge will be a huge part of my classroom. Although I want to help my students to make correct interpretations, I also want them to make their own conclusions about life and the world around them. This chapter has helped me understand how to achieve conceptual change but also has enlightened me how to engage my students in “thinking.” The more my students understand their perspectives the easier they continue to learn, and the easier I can correctly adjust their learning!