Enduring Understanding: The Way I See It and How I Teach It

One of the key concepts in the new curriculum that is present in every one of our lesson plans for first and seventh graders this year is the term "Enduring Understanding". Even though it seems to be key on the new syllabus, what is it?, and how should we teach it?

To begin with, this term is defined as a "core process that is central and has lasting value beyond the classroom". These statements must "give importance and meaning to the expectations of the curriculum".

The Enduring Understanding from unit 1 in first grade, for example, states, "Our names, the way we look, and the way we feel make us special". Just by taking a look at it, we can infer that this unit is about personal information (name), physical descriptions and feelings.

This concept is, therefore, key to be shared with our students in order to generate the correct expectations about the unit and make them aware of the topics that will be covered in class. It will also make the subject we are about to study meaningful and will help pupils grow as human beings who form part of a society.

This concept is, as well, supposed to "stick" on our students' minds after they leave the classroom. From what I understand, it will also help us create social agents that are more tolerant, respectful, and aware or other people's differences. It becomes then, part of the "Learn to Be and Live in Community" that is contained in our lesson plans.

Now, the question that arises might be: How do I teach this concept, that is supposed to be shared explicitly with my learners, if they have so little command of the target language?

Well, what I have done so far and seems to be effective is to start by sharing it with them in Spanish.

Yes! I said Spanish. The reason to do it is because it is their first language and I really need that they get the main idea of it. This way I make sure they see what they are expected to learn. After that, I review the Enduring Understanding in every class and I also try to invest from 5 to 10 minutes a week to raise awareness on the importance of this concept.

Then, little by little I incorporate English words to this awareness raising process and my students remember what we talked about in previous classes and are able to reconstruct the concept. At this point I need to clarify that I only have our 40-minute lessons a week with each group, and that what I try to do is to maximize my time with them.

Also, I must not lie by saying that 100% of my students get it and remember the concept, but at least 60% of them do and I feel happy about it!

What about you?, How are you sharing this part of the lesson with your students?, Is it working?

Remember that I would be happy to receive ideas on this and you can do it through the contact section in this site.

I am looking forward to reading your thoughts and Ideas. Happy Teaching!!!

Images from:

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#KeyConcepts #Ideas