Teach to understanding

a. Facts and information do not occur in isolation. They fit in some higher-level organization or structure that relates them to other information. Ultimately, the goal of acquiring information is to be used at some later date, and for some purpose that requires giving meaning to the information. This means that facts should be taught within the context of some concept that relates them to each other and to external concepts. When teaching concepts, it is the understanding, and not the memorization of the definition, that is the goal. (Wiggins & McTighe, 2011)