In this article we will explore the practical application of the epistemic framework. If you haven’t viewed the video explaining the theoretical workings of the epistemic framework, please do so before proceeding. Getting a grasp of the theoretical side first, really helps with a better understanding of this practical example and lets you proceed with more ease.
Video
This example revolves about designing a mini-course of 3 weekly lessons for a class of 30 pupils between the age of 12-14. At the end of lesson 3 they should be able to play the theme (with accompaniment of a fellow student), compose a variation in bar 5 to 8 and then repeat the theme. Using a traditional approach would mean a lot of hard work for the teacher to keep them motivated for three weeks, so we will approach the design using the epistemic framework ánd upgrade our learning goals: besides being able to play and compose, we are also experimenting with major and minor keys and we are practicing our skills of finding a melody by ear. Although this is very important for the teacher to know, it is less important for the student at the start of the lesson, because there is no context in which they are learning. In this case we’ll shape the context – and thus the epistemic frame – around Star Wars. The needed knowledge and skills aside, the identity and the values of, for example of a character like Darth Vader, a stormtrooper or a Jedi like Luke Skywalker, will help the Star Wars performer to get that extra determination they need to fulfil the assignment, because in their chosen role the ‘Star Wars performer’ will not allow him or herself to give up, or even loose focus for just a second.
Text, concept and visualisation: Thijs Spook
Voice-over: Thijs Spook
