Concept based teaching

What is a concept?
Concepts are mental representations, abstract objects or abilities that make up the fundamental
building blocks of thoughts and beliefs. They play an important role in all aspects of cognition.

What is concept based teaching?

Concept-based teaching is driven by “big ideas” rather than subject-specific content. By leading
students to consider the context in which they will use their understanding, concept-based
teaching brings “real world” meaning to content knowledge and skills. Students become critical
thinkers which is essential to their ability to creatively solve problems in the 21st century. By
introducing students to universal themes and engaging them in active learning, concept-based
teaching :

 creates connections to students prior experience.

 Brings relevance to student learning.
 Facilitates deeper understanding of content knowledge.
 Acts as a springboard for students to respond to their learning with action

Concept-based teaching , by placing the learning process in the “big picture” context of a
transdisciplinary theme, leads students to think about content and facts “at a much deeper level” and
“as a practitioner would in that discipline” (Schell & Howell 2011).

To some, concept based teaching can be seen as more of a top-down approach versus the bottom-
up model used in more traditional learning. To others who view traditional learning as rote
memorization of facts and figures, conceptual learning is seen as a means for getting students to
think more critically about the new subjects and situations they encounter.
Concept based teaching helps the learner to:

1. Understand specific concepts

2. Understand the nature of concepts
3. Utilize logical reasoning and higher level thinking
4. Improve communication

How to plan for a concept based teaching?

1. Selecting concepts : curriculum should be planned on conceptual basis. New words
should be included in vocabulary.
2. Define the concept: concept name, listing of critical attributes, writing a short definition.
For example:
Concept: dinosaur
Critical attributes: reptile live over for 60 years
Definition: dinosaurs are reptile that lived over 60 years ago and have gone extinct.
3. Analyze the concept: formulate examples, use charts diagrams, web, visuals etc.
4. Relate to social context: labeling, categorizing etc
5. Creating a graphic organizer: highlight critical attributes and make concept more
concrete. Analogies are also very helpful.
6. Planning of time and space: row and column arrangement for instruction. Time required
by the student depend upon his her age.unfortunately, the teacher can not afford enough
time.

Conclusion
Concept based teaching strategeties are highly used in modern educational systems and is
very effective for every kind of age groups. Teaching which is based on root concepts are for
life time. Once the concept of the student is clear he will learn more efficiently and fast. The
more clear the concept of the student will be the more successful your teaching will be.