Description VS Interpretation

Good teaching requires accurately understanding what is happening with our students on an on-going basis.

This is what we call as "what we have observed" VS "our interpretation of what we have observed".

Now, take a look on this picture. What is happening?

Maybe in your mind you think that this dog is thrown from the sky or maybe you picture that the master of this dog is so mean for throwing out this dog from the plane (Or maybe you get mad seeing this). 😋

Now, take a look on this video.

What is happening?
Yes!! The dog is thrown on the snow. He seems so happy and wants it more.

That's exactly what interpretation looks like.

In class, maybe you see that your students really learn because they answer everything correctly, but wait! It turns out that they know the material because the answer is obvious.

Or maybe, you interpret that one of your students is unhappy because she is frowning. Wait! Maybe she is concentrating!

One of your students maybe bored because he looks at the clock. Wait! Maybe he needs to take a medicine.

Critical thinking requires us to be able to distinguish between Observation and Interpretation.

An observation is something you notice by watching or listening. It sometimes can be made through other senses, such as touch or smell.

So, think critically! Be aware of our assumptions. Imagine and explore alternative interpretations.