FIAE Reflections: Chapter 2

This chapter discusses the concept of mastery. What it is and what it isn’t and how everyone’s concept of it is different. Everyone’s definition is different and it is important for everyone to be on the same page. The definition given here uses the six facets of true understanding found in Understanding by Design (McTighe and Wiggins, 2006). To demonstrate mastery, a student needs to be able to use the information in all of the six ways. All forms of assessment show parts of that mastery but usually more than one are needed to show complete mastery. Written assessments are especially useful in determining mastery. Because it is impossible to develop mastery in all facets of a subject in the time allowed in public school, one of the most important skills for a new teacher to learn is to determine what the most important concepts for their students to master are. There are many resources available to help in this important process.