What does it mean to have learned something?

I know this may sound like a silly question, but it’s where it starts, isn’t it? You can’t answer many questions about teaching or training until you can answer this one. Let’s give it a moment.

There’s an instant where we didn’t know something and another one where we do. You can’t ride a bike, and then you can. An instant where you can’t swim, and then one where you can.

That's such an awesome moment.

Let's geek it up for a moment. The edu-nerds I hang out with say we're achieving a learning target. Your friends might call it an a-ha moment.

Great teachers make this happen on the regular. It's our job:)

The research says that if students can identify a clear learning target, they're more likely to achieve it. And, it turns out, we're all students.

What are you about to learn?

Mike

P.S. The name of this article was originally "Pancake Poop Fart" in order to get my high school students to read it. We now have common language, that a Pancake Poop Fart is a think you used to not know, and now you do.