The European Competency and the Teaching for Understanding Frameworks: Creating Synergies in the Context of Initial Teacher Training in Higher Education

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze the rich, complex, interrelated relationship that could possibly be established between the Teaching for Understanding framework, pedagogical proposal belonging to Project Zero (Education research team of Harvard University, Boston, MA, US), and the European Competency Framework. Through an in-depth analysis of the constituent features that define and explain both proposals, and questions answered both by teachers with ample classroom experience and experts on the field, it shows that these are two complementary educational perspectives that share a similar vocation and that contribute to improving the teaching-learning process in Higher Education, specifically in the context of initial Teacher Training. Likewise, it analyzes the different factors to take into account when implementing them, particularly in the context of Higher Education; factors that make them complex proposals but also of very high educational value and with the potential to enrich the teaching-learning process, no matter the context.

Examining the effect of training with a teaching for understanding framework on intravenous therapy administration’s knowledge, performance, and satisfaction of nursing students: a non-randomized controlled study

“…In the traditional teaching model, teachers demonstrate the workflow and emphasize the key points of steps through oral presentation, which makes it difficult to effectively teach the students. TfU is an approach to think about teaching and how to work with our students [ 13 ]. It provides teachers with a language and strategy for enhancing their effects to teach for greater understanding, and makes it much easier for teachers to organize and discuss their approach to a particular topic or an entire course.…”

“…Selecting a framework based on the conditions is one of the most important steps in educational planning [ 12 ]. The Teaching for Understanding (TfU) Framework advocates providing rich material learning environments, offering ample opportunities for interaction and engagement, and leading to further development, which was used to reach quality in education [ 13 ]. One of the TfU frameworks is “Putting Understanding Up Front” [ 14 ], which is a four-part framework that highlights four key concepts: generative topics, understanding goals, understanding performances, and ongoing assessment.…”

“…The TfU framework emphasizes understanding and personalized assessment, promoting deep learning for students, but may require more time and resources and pose challenges to teacher skills. A review aimed to analyze the relationship between the European Competency and TfU framework conceived that the TfU framework proposes a structure with enough versatility to cover the needs of teachers and students regarding the classroom processes, and can improve the teaching-learning process [ 13 ]. In addition, a study conducted in gastrointestinal surgical department showed the use of the TfU framework can increase the core ability, knowledge, and performance of nurses, and ultimately extends the quality of treatment and patient safety [ 15 ].…”

Examining the effect of training with a TfU framework on intravenous therapy administration’s knowledge, performance, and satisfaction of nursing students: a non-randomized controlled study

“…Studies report that more than 70% of inpatients are treated via peripheral intravenous catheter [2]. In China, the amount of IV infusion was as high as 13.692 billion bottles (bags) in 2014, and the infusion rate of inpatients was over 94% [3]. However, complications including tube blockage, tube disconnection, uid extravasation, phlebitis, and infection, are also costly to the healthcare system [3,4].…”

“…The Teaching for Understanding (TfU) Framework advocates providing rich in material learning environments, offering ample opportunities for interaction and engagement, and leading to further development, which was used to improve the teaching-learning process [12] and reach quality in education [13]. One of the TfU framework is "Putting Understanding Up Front" [14], which is a four-part framework that highlights four key concepts: generative topics, understanding goals, understanding performances, and ongoing assessment.…”