Knowing and understanding

There is difference between knowing about something and understanding something.

Do you understand the difference?
Can you use words to explain the difference between the two?
If you can't put it into words, does that mean that there something wrong with your understanding?  --or is it because there is something inadequate about expressing certain things in words?

Here are some other questions to consider (if you're in the mood):

• How many learning experiences have you had that were aimed solely at having you  know about something?
• How many courses or classes led you to a deeper understanding of a thing?
• How were you tested? Where was the emphasis?

Someone once suggested that we try to imagine if the goal of teaching students about the animal world was that they would love animals more as well as understand them better?

IMHO: "Standardized testing" undermines the most important goals of education. If teachers are forced to "teach to the test," then there is little opportunity for young students to understand the things they study. 

What do you think?