6+CK

Content knowledge: the necessity for knowledge about the subject matter, knowledge of concepts, theories,ideas, organizational frameworks, knowledge of evidence and proof, as well as established practices and approaches toward developing such knowledge. Teachers need to understand the deeper knowledge fundamentals of the discipline in which they teach in order to provide a comprehensive base of content knowledge to their students and avoid the possibility of misconceptions and incorrect transfer of knowledge. For example, An Art teacher who includes background information on the classical artists and shows examples of their works while students are doing lessons and projects is showing excellent content knowledge and is making the learning real. Without the depth of content knowledge, a Teacher is disadvantaged in their abilities to properly provide appropriate assessment, and recognize evidence of learning. In the case of science, for example, this would include knowledge of scientific facts and theories, the scientific method, and evidence-based reasoning. In addition, without the breadth and depth of content knowledge, a Teacher’s passion for the subject matter is weakened, if not devoid of passion, that is translated to the student as non-confidence and a lack of experience in the content area. Passion is transferred in the learning and assists students to retain engagement and interest in the content area. For instance, a Science Teacher’s passion for the scientific method is verbally and visually obvious and this is most likely due to his former career as a chemist.