Know–Do–Understand at a Glance

• Know – Access to the essential knowledge, content, and concepts that give learners a strong foundation.

• Understand – A focus on big ideas and key principles that allow learners to think critically, make connections, and apply understanding across contexts.

• Do – Authentic practice with skills and competencies, enabling learners to collaborate, communicate, and create in meaningful ways.
  
  

Why It Matters

Designing the curriculum through a Know–Do–Understand lens ensures that learning is:

• Clear – learners know what knowledge, skills, and understandings matter most.

• Deep – learners make connections to big ideas and understand why learning matters.

• Transferable – learners can apply their skills and understanding in real-world contexts.
  
  

In this way, the model provides a powerful approach to curriculum design that brings the 6 C’s to life, helping learners grow as knowledgeable, thoughtful, and future-ready citizens.

Learn More

Education Scotland is engaging with the Know–Do–Understand model as part of its Curriculum Improvement Cycle. These resources provide further insight:

• Curriculum Improvement Cycle – Towards an Evolved Technical Framework

• Curriculum Improvement Cycle – Working Together to Make Change Happen (PDF)

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a full term – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.

As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers.