What Effective Teachers Know

Effective Teacher Knowledge

• Effective teachers possess a deep understanding of their subject, students, teaching methods, and adaptability. This differentiates experienced from expert teachers. Expertise isn't just years in the classroom, but how those years are utilized.

Three Categories of Teacher Knowledge

• Angi Malderez and Martin Wedell define three categories of teacher knowledge: Knowing about, Knowing how, and Knowing to.
• These categories interact to create effective learning experiences and are key to professional growth.

Knowing About

• This foundational knowledge encompasses language, learning theories, student backgrounds, school policies, and professional development resources.
• Theoretical knowledge alone isn't enough; it needs to be applied in the classroom effectively.
• Knowledge continually evolves through iterative development; seemingly simple ideas have deeper layers over time.

Knowing How

• This involves practical skills like lesson planning, managing the classroom, and guiding student learning (e.g., pronunciation).
• Knowing how translates theoretical knowledge into effective action.
• Developing these skills takes effort, trial & error, reflection, and acceptance of failures.
• Decisions about areas to prioritize based on skill development.

Knowing To

• This is the ability to make real-time decisions in the classroom.
• It involves recognizing when something isn't working and adjusting accordingly through improvisation.
• It's the result of accumulated knowledge and experience blending seamlessly.
• Spotting student confusion (e.g., furrowed brows, hesitations) and adapting explanations/activities instantly.
• Expert teachers demonstrate this intuitive decision-making.

Adaptability and Professional Judgment

• The ability to adapt isn't luck, but a result of practice and understanding.
• "You can’t improvise on nothing" (Charles Mingus). Teachers rely on years of training and deep understanding.
• Professional judgment involves expert guesses blending experience with knowledge in the moment.

Teacher Training and Development

• Focus on developing awareness of skills and areas for improvement.
• Training is more than just knowledge acquisition; it's about applying, refining, and integrating knowledge.
• The three knowledge categories overlap, but a balance of theory and practical skill is vital to effectiveness.
• Effective teachers continuously strive to refine their craft and learning. They are always receptive to new knowledge and adaptable to student needs.