If you could group knowledge into categories, it might be something like this: no knowledge, shallow knowledge (varying levels), and deep knowledge. After many years of study, someone may reach "Expert" level.
When we teach our children, our goal is for them to gain deep knowledge in a topic. Deep knowledge gives them an in-depth understanding of the topic and the tools they need to think critically (i.e., analyze, compare, contrast, come up with new, creative ideas about the subject). It is impossible to give our students deep knowledge of everything (it would be nice, though, wouldn't it?) This means that the teacher needs to determine which topics are Deep Knowledge topics. Shallow knowledge is better than no knowledge at all; it allows the students a small background familiarity for them to build on to in their memories. With some things, aiming for shallow knowledge is enough.
Expert level is a unique category. It is a very specific set of knowledge; an expert is set apart from the rest. An expert has worked with deep knowledge for awhile and can apply his knowledge in new, inventive ways. We need an expert for his unique insight, field experience, and out-of-the-box thinking.
Here are some examples of topics:
Astronomy
Algebra
Famous Explorers
Geography
Arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, fractions, & decimals)
English Grammar
Latin
Which of these topics would you aim for Deep Knowledge? Which ones would you aim for some level of exposure, or shallow knowledge? Do you know an expert in any of these fields?
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