Intellectual Rigour 

 

What is Problematic Knowledge?

Knowledge is problematic when it involves an understanding of knowledge not as a fixed body of information, but rather as being constructed, and hence subject various influences. Multiple, contrasting and potentially conflicting forms of knowledge are presented and recognised as constructed and open to question. 

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Problematic Knowledge in the Classroom

• Provide tools to support students to challenge and question knowledge and identify any assumptions.

• Identify and explore the assumptions that underpin a theme or topic.

• Present knowledge as something that changes and is open to different perspectives.

• Provide opportunities for students to question assumptions about knowledge or to recognise different perspectives on knowledge.

• When reviewing work samples consider to what extent were students required to treat knowledge as problematic and open to interpretation or influence?​

 

Application in the classroom

Making a controversial statement that children must take a stand on - agree or disagree corners game etc this would require students to justify their position.

When exploiting prior knowledge as a class identify what you know but also what may have been assumed.

corners game, 

Hot seat with different perspective and justify

Group questioning, Formative AX strategies are used for students to highlight assumptions and positions taken. (students debating other ss answers)

 

 

Checklist

1. All knowledge is presented only as fact and not open to question.

2. Some knowledge is treated as open to multiple perspectives.

3. Knowledge is treated as open to multiple perspectives, seen as socially constructed and therefore open to question.

4. Knowledge is seen as socially constructed and multiple perspectives are not only presented, but are explored through questioning of their basic assumptions.

5. Knowledge is seen as socially constructed, with multiple and/or conflicting interpretations presented and explored to an extent that a judgement is made about the appropriateness of an interpretation in a given context.