The role of knowledge-rich curricula in promoting deep thinking and complex skill acquisition

Abstract

The breadth and depth of students' knowledge play an important role in their learning. However, at the start of compulsory education individual differences in knowledge can be immense, particularly between learners from different socio-economic backgrounds. As knowledge acquisition is cumulative, achievement gaps between more and less advantaged students can quickly increase when these lacunae in knowledge are not explicitly and systematically remedied. In this article, we argue that knowledge-rich curricula in compulsory education can help promote deep thinking and complex skill acquisition for all students by systematically building their knowledge of the world. First, the importance of knowledge for deep, meaningful learning and complex skill acquisition is discussed. Subsequently, a selection of knowledge-rich curricula and their impact on achievement is addressed in detail. The article concludes with a discussion on the implications for curriculum building, and the adoption of knowledge-rich curricula with a view to improved learning for all students. Educational relevance: Students' knowledge plays an important role in their learning. At the start of compulsory education individual differences in what students already know can be immense, particularly between students from different socio-economic backgrounds. Adopting knowledge-rich curricula in compulsory education can help improve learning for all students by systematically building their knowledge of the world, leading to deep, meaningful learning and a solid foundation for complex skill acquisition.