Making Learning Come Alive: Kagan and ‘Understand, Know, Do’
Let's chat about something that's transforming how we think about learning in New Zealand classrooms - the Know, Understand, Do framework. It's like we've finally found a way to make learning three-dimensional instead of flat!
When I first encountered this framework in the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, what struck me was how perfectly it aligns with Kagan Cooperative Learning.
Here's why this combination is such a game-changer for our students.
Kagan is the perfect platform for teachers as it provides no-brainer practical strategies to deliver the whole curriculum making it highly transferable pedagogy.
Kagan has no content, so it will work with your local curriculum and context.
Kagan defines The Learning that Matters:
Our academic teaching functions ensure the content and ‘action’ match: Knowledgebuilding; Procedural Learning; Processing Information; Thinking; Presenting
But wait, there’s more…
Understanding - Big ideas and themes
Structures that spark "aha moments" by connecting students through purposeful interactions that reveal deeper meanings and patterns.
* Structured partner discussions help students go beyond surface learning to grasp big ideas and concepts
* Group interactions help learners connect new ideas to what they already know, making those vital mental bridges
* When students explain concepts to peers, they're forced to wrestle with their understanding until they can make it crystal clear
For example: Through structures like Timed-Pair-Share each student shares their thoughts and understandings.
Knowing - Content, concepts, and topics
Turn-taking strategies that ensure every student processes, verbalises and memorises key content, making abstract concepts concrete through shared dialogue, as well as facilitating application of knowledge through complex tasks.
* Interactive pair work transforms static facts into dynamic knowledge through peer interactions
* Movement-based learning activities get students engaging with content actively rather than passively
* Collaborative review sessions turn memorization into meaningful conversations
* Mixed grouping strategies help students process and retain information through multiple exposures and explanations
For example: Kagan structures like Quiz-Quiz-Trade facilitate memorisation and absorption of key facts and ideas
Doing - Practices (skills, strategies, and processes)
Active participation strategies that transform passive learning into dynamic skills practice, where every student becomes both teacher and learner.
* Strategic learning teams and pairings allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts while building collaboration skills
* Structured group writing gives every student a chance to practice skills actively and get immediate feedback
* Peer coaching creates opportunities for students to guide each other through complex tasks
* Team and pair accountability strategies ensure all students are ready to demonstrate their learning
For example: Rally Coach structures metacognition as students take turns coaching each other
What's particularly exciting is how Kagan Cooperative Learning naturally integrates all three elements. When students are working together in structured ways, they're simultaneously building understanding, reinforcing knowledge, and practicing essential skills.
For example, in a simple RoundRobin team activity, students might:
- Understand: Discuss and clarify key concepts with their team or partner
- Know: Learn, review and reinforce specific facts or information
- Do: Practice communication skills, critical thinking, and collaboration
This framework helps us move away from the old model of passive learning. Instead of just receiving information, students are actively constructing understanding, building knowledge, and developing skills through meaningful interactions with their peers.
The beauty of using Kagan Cooperative Learning is that we provide teachers with practical strategies to make each element of the framework visible and tangible. Students aren't just learning in isolation - they're building understanding together, sharing knowledge, and practicing skills in authentic contexts.
I've seen this approach transform classrooms. When students engage with all three elements through structured cooperation, their learning becomes deeper and more meaningful. They're not just memorising content (which still has a place); they're developing real understanding and capabilities they can use in the real world.
Have you started implementing this framework in your classroom? if not, then talk to us about the benefits of delivering your local curriculum using Kagan to ensure equity and all of the above
