Knowledge Building
What the experts say about knowledge building:
In the classroom as a knowledge building community, learners are concerned with understanding, based on their real problems in the real world. ~ Marlene Scardamalia
Learning is more than the acquisition of the ability to think; it is the acquisition of many specialized abilities for thinking about a variety of things. ~ Lev Vygotsky
It is not so important to have all the answers as to be hungry for them. ~ Carol Ann Tomlinson
Go to Reading Rockets and read more about knowledge building!
OVERVIEW of knowledge building
Knowledge building occurs when students extend their understanding of a concept or skill. Knowledge and understanding, also called schemas, provide the foundation for learning in all areas. Extending students’ experiences and their exposure to new concepts, and encouraging inquiry and exploration all enhance students’ thinking skills and their development of knowledge.
TEACHING for knowledge building
Provide students with opportunities to activate their prior knowledge and think critically about new information. Ask open-ended questions and encourage students to share a variety of ideas and experiences related to the concept being taught. Teach strategies to organize and apply new and existing knowledge. For example, integrate science and literacy by having students discuss connections between habitats.
ASSESSING for knowledge building
Knowledge building can be assessed across a variety of subject areas. Record anecdotal notes during discussions and track students’ progress in their ability to process information, collaborate with others and ask questions for further inquiry. Students can also create attainable goals related to their learning. Help students achieve their goals by discussing their strengths and establishing next steps.
Featured Videos
Who Lives Here?:
VIDEO
Daily News:
VIDEO
The KWL Chart:
VIDEO
All Knowledge Building Recipes
Investigating Cereal: Integrating Literacy and Science Instruction
Who Lives Here?: Building Background Knowledge
Read All About It!: Building Knowledge With Class News
Before, During and After Questions: Promoting Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking
Fact or Opinion?: Building Critical Thinking Skills
Sentence Starters for Text-to-Self Connections: Building Reading Comprehension Strategies
Fist Lists: A Graphic Organizer for Learning Vocabulary
Creating Crossword Puzzles: Engaging Students with Content Area Vocabulary
Interactive Story Retelling: Encouraging Retelling with Picture Supports
Visual Thinking Strategies: Exploring Artwork to Enhance Critical Thinking and Expression
Real-Life Examples, Fact, and Fiction: Building Knowledge at the Beginning of a Content Area Unit
Who's That Community Helper?: Building Knowledge, Language, and Early Literacy Skills
Check Your Facts!: Promoting Critical Analysis of Non-Fiction Books
Milling to Music: Encouraging Brainstorming through Active Participation
Stop and Go Statements: Fostering Understanding of Fact and Opinion
Cause-Effect Match Up: Building Early Reasoning Skills
Pictorial K-W-L: Graphic Organizer for Early Literacy
Categorizing Prior Knowledge: Aiding Comprehension of a New Content Area Text
Concept Maps: Expanding Vocabulary Networks
Personal Dictionary: Making Real-Life Connections to Build Vocabulary
Concept Muraling: Organizing Knowledge Visually to Improve Comprehension
Class Photo Library: Motivating Descriptive Writing
Searching for Information: Features of Non-Fiction Texts
Schema Folder: Investigating a Topic to Foster Knowledge Building (Virtual Tour)
Soda Pop Label Designs: Examining and Creating Print Advertisements (Virtual Tour)
Visual Thinking Strategies: Exploring Artwork to Enhance Critical Thinking and Expression (Virtual Tour)
Character in Action: Fostering Critical Thinking and the Development of Knowledge (Virtual Tour)
Map It!: Integrating Social Studies and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Tribes Agreements: Creating Inclusive Classroom Culture in Second Grade (Virtual Tour)
Feedback Board: Providing Specific Information to Improve Performance (Virtual Tour)
Make a Judgment: Using Four Corners to Further Comprehension (Virtual Tour)
Weather Tracker: Integrating Data Management and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Author's Perspective: Comprehending Point of View (Virtual Tour)
Integrating Social Studies and Literacy: Developing Research and Presentation Skills (Virtual Tour)
Estimation Station: Developing Critical Thinking Skills (Virtual Tour)
On a Global Scale: Making Community Connections (Virtual Tour)
Daily News: Encouraging Inquiry (Virtual Tour)
Imagination: Asking Questions for Further Inquiry (Virtual Tour)
Countries of the World: Developing Research Skills (Virtual Tour)
Where in the World: Extending Understanding of Mapping Skills (Virtual Tour)
Class Pets: Launching into Writing (Virtual Tour)
Community Features: Developing Research and Writing Skills (Virtual Tour)
Classroom Wiki: Engaging Students with Technology (Virtual Tour)
The Daily Schedule: Promoting Independent Learning in First and Second Grade (Virtual Tour)
Semantic Web: Activating Prior Knowledge to Promote Understanding
Pick a Corner: Engaging Students and Encouraging Critical Thinking
Action Words: Helping Students Understand Verbs
Morning Sign-In: Building Math, Literacy, and Thinking Skills
Treasure Bag Measurement: Integrating Literacy and Mathematics
Candy Ads: Developing Media Literacy and Persuasive Writing Skills
Concept Sorts: Developing Categorical Thinking and Expressive Language
The Science Center: Integrating Science and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Sea Shell Counting: Integrating Mathematics and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Learning Goals: Fostering Student Success in First and Second Grade (Virtual Tour)
Graffiti Posters: Integrating Science and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Interactive SMART Board: Integrating Technology (Virtual Tour)
Student-Led Conferences: Fostering Literacy Independence (Virtual Tour)
The Facts and Opinions Tree: Distinguishing Between Facts and Opinions (Virtual Tour)
Creating Connections with Literacy: Writing a Scientific Procedure (Virtual Tour)
The UNRAVEL Device: Using a Test Taking Mnemonic (Virtual Tour)
The Literacy Umbrella: Understanding Figurative Language (Virtual Tour)
Integrating Social Studies: Developing Research Skills (Virtual Tour)
The Wall of Science: Anchoring Students' Learning (Virtual Tour)
The KWL Chart: Building Knowledge with a Graphic Organizer (Virtual Tour)
Favorite Food: Understanding Facts and Opinions (Virtual Tour)
The Game of Jeopardy: Reviewing Information (Virtual Tour)
Extra Special Student: Using a Vocabulary Wheel to Ask Questions (Virtual Tour)
Healthy Me: Extending Understandings and Expanding Vocabulary (Virtual Tour)
Story Re-enactment: Promoting Comprehension with an Oral Retell (Virtual Tour)
Felt Board Retell: Promoting Comprehension with an Oral Retell (Virtual Tour)
Mystery Bag: Promoting Oral Language (Virtual Tour)
Taking a Math Shapes Walk: Interactive Writing about Schoolyard Observations (Virtual Tour)
Supported Dramatic Play: Building Vocabulary and Oral Language in Kindergarten (Virtual Tour)
Images and Words: Building Vocabulary Knowledge with Pictures (Virtual Tour)
How to Make a Fire Truck!: Launching Procedural Writing by Integrating Social Studies and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Daily Read Alouds: Using Non-Fiction and Math Books in the Literacy Program (Virtual Tour)
Wonder Box: Inspiring Creative Writing through Unusual Picture Cues
Literacy in the Math Center: Introducing Math Concepts and Vocabulary with Literature (Virtual Tour)
Weather Mind Maps: Building Background Knowledge and Vocabulary (Virtual Tour)
Shared Reading of Big Books: Supporting Language Development and Vocabulary (Virtual Tour)
Over the Rainbow!: Integrating Vocabulary Development and Artwork based on the Colors of the Rainbow (Virtual Tour)
Favorite Read Alouds: Building Motivation for Literacy, Oral Language and Vocabulary (Virtual Tour)
Math Buffet: Using Manipulatives for Deeper Understanding (Virtual Tour)
Scratch Math Book: Risk-Free Practice to Consolidate Concepts (Virtual Tour)
Favorite Books: Building Motivation for Literacy, Vocabulary and Oral Language (Virtual Tour)
JUMP Math: Discovering and Understanding Math Concepts (Virtual Tour)
Executive Functions Superheroes: Building Strategies for Success (Virtual Tour)
Let's Vote!: Learning About Democracy Through the Selection of Classroom Jobs (Virtual Tour)
Daily Class Pledge: Building a Classroom Community (Virtual Tour)
Water Cooler Talk: Building Communication Skills and Community (Virtual Tour)
Math Minds: Communicating About Math Through Problem-Solving Tasks (Virtual Tour)
A Continuum of Math: Components of a Math Program (Virtual Tour)
Looking into the Past: Integrating History and Literacy (Virtual Tour)
A Classroom Economy: Learning About Economics and Advertising (Virtual Tour)
Inspirational Stories: Using Barack Obama's Of Thee I Sing to Motivate Students to Read and Write (Virtual Tour)
Instilling Integrity: Raising Awareness About Character (Virtual Tour)
If the World Were A Village: Building Insights About the World's People (Virtual Tour)
Science and Nature: Exploring Natural Artifacts at the Science Center (Virtual Tour)
Measure Me!: Recording Height Throughout the Year (Virtual Tour)
Mitzvah Tree: Making Home and School Connections (Virtual Tour)
Learn About Time: Using the Daily Schedule to Develop Skills in Time (Virtual Tour)
Technology in the Classroom: Integrating Technology to Increase Motivation and Engagement (Virtual Tour)
Compare and Contrast: Promoting Conceptual Thinking in First Grade (Virtual Tour)
Media Literacy: Responding to a Captivating Photo
Look Closely!: Describing Similarities and Differences Between Objects
Mystery Bag: Developing Oral Language Skills in PreK/Kindergarten
Mystery Bag: Developing Oral Language Skills in First Grade
Meaningful Contexts: Promoting an Enjoyment for Reading
Literacy in Science: Expanding Vocabulary in the Content Areas (Virtual Tour)
Art from The Heart: Integrating Literacy Instruction in Community-Building Art Projects (Virtual Tour)
Character-Building Books: Creating a Thoughtful Classroom Community with Read Alouds (Virtual Tour)
Black History Month: Integrating Art, Mathematics and Literacy to Motivate Reading and Writing (Virtual Tour)
Predicting and Inferring: Scaffolding Comprehension Strategies using an Explicit Framework (Virtual Tour)
Revising and Editing in First Grade: Using Success Criteria to Focus the Writing Process (Virtual Tour)
Beyond a Morning Message: Promoting Literacy and Numeracy with a Meaningful Morning Routine (Virtual Tour)
Sharing Storybooks: Building Knowledge and Literacy Motivation through Daily Read Alouds (Virtual Tour)
Word Problems in First Grade: Integrating Math and Literacy Using Success Criteria (Virtual Tour)
Science Experiments in First Grade: Building Understanding through Inquiry and Discussion (Virtual Tour)
Global Partners Junior DETAILS: Implementing a Cross-Curricular Program (Virtual Tour)
Global Partners Junior OVERVIEW: Implementing an Integrated Literacy Approach (Virtual Tour)
An Engaging Read-Aloud makes Science Fun!: Linking Literacy and Science with Stanley's Party (Virtual Tour)
Research on Sustainability in Schools: Integrating Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Math (Virtual Tour)
Minds-On Math: Three-Part Lesson for Teaching Measurement (Virtual Tour)
Real-World Math: Co-constructing a Math Problem-Solving Wall (Virtual Tour)
Elements and Principles of Design: Using Language to Create Visual Art (Virtual Tour)
Math Investigation Station: Integrating Math, Vocabulary and Media Literacy (Virtual Tour)
Colors of the Week: Developing Concepts of Print
Early Societies Inquiry: Creating a Timeline About Ancient Egypt (Virtual Tour)
Building Class Community: Ancient Egyptian Charm Bracelets (Virtual Tour)
Social Studies' Culminating Activity: Museum Display (Virtual Tour)
Building Community with Parents: Math Is Fun (Virtual Tour)
The SPCA Calendar: Promoting Oral Language (Virtual Tour)
Cross-Curricular Connections: The Science of Bean Growing (Virtual Tour)
Cross-curricular Learning: The Terry Fox Challenge (Virtual Tour)
Social Studies' Culminating Activity: Hieroglyphic Art (Virtual Tour)
Math Wall: Building Understanding of Specialized Words (Virtual Tour)
Investigating Cereal: Integrating Literacy and Science Instruction
