Chapter Two Synthesis-Fair Isn't Always Equal

Abstract:
Chapter two in Fair Isn’t Always Equal discussed how to achieve mastery with differentiated instruction when there is too much material to cover in a short period of time. One step to becoming a master in the desired subject is by using the six facets of understanding: explanation, interpretation, perspective, self-knowledge, application, and empathy. These six facets help focus a students thinking which helps them better understand the material presented to them. As teachers, we also need to determine what constitutes as acceptable evidence to demonstrate that the student has achieved mastery. There are many different methods such as projects, tests, and quizzes, but one of the most effective strategies to ensure that the students have become proficient in the subject would be to give them a written exam. When a student has to write, they cannot conceal areas that may be weak. Many teachers also like to track a few important creations over the course of a unit to monitor their success and keep track of mastery. Chapter two ends by giving out some resources to help teachers create an effective curriculum.

Reflection:
Overall, chapter two seemed to cause a lot of students to reflect on their own personal lives. Many of recalled classes through grade school and high school where they could get away with just the memorization of facts. Many remembered that this method of learning often led to high scores on exams that week, but also to forgetting the material the day after. They also reflected upon the idea of mastery of a subject and how to determine what the most important ideas that the curriculum should focus around were. Chapter two also spent some time clarifying what the six facets of understandings are and how to utilize the facets in your classroom to determine the mastery of a subject. I, like many of my classmates, was glad that this was reviewed because it reinforced what I had previously learned.