Teaching inTeaching in Concept Concept

By Kris TrairatanaBy Kris TrairatanaAugust 13, 2008August 13, 2008

Concept TeachingConcept Teaching

Refers to the learning of specific concepts, the Refers to the learning of specific concepts, the nature of concepts, or the development of nature of concepts, or the development of logical reasoning and critical thinkinglogical reasoning and critical thinking

Be categorized into two approaches: inductive Be categorized into two approaches: inductive and deductive strategiesand deductive strategies

Proceeds through four primary phases for each Proceeds through four primary phases for each approachapproach

Inductive vs. InductiveInductive vs. Inductive

Inductive reasoningInductive reasoning (bottom up): (bottom up):

direct presentation of the concept first by direct presentation of the concept first by moving from specific observations to broader moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories (example to rule).generalizations and theories (example to rule).

Inductive vs. Inductive (cont.)Inductive vs. Inductive (cont.)

Deductive reasoning (Top-down):

examples/nonexamples and guided discovery by working from more generals (theories) to more specifics (rule to examples).

Process of Primary Phases Process of Primary Phases Clarify goals and conditionsClarify goals and conditions

Illustrate examples and nonexamplesIllustrate examples and nonexamples

Students provide examples and nonexamples Students provide examples and nonexamples to demonstrate attainment of conceptto demonstrate attainment of concept

Guide students to think about their own Guide students to think about their own thinking (examine their decisions, thinking (examine their decisions, consequences of choices, how concept its in consequences of choices, how concept its in with bigger picture) by using both deductive with bigger picture) by using both deductive and inductive approaches or each one.and inductive approaches or each one.

Using Concept Teaching in ClassUsing Concept Teaching in Class

Select Big Idea Concept and determine the Select Big Idea Concept and determine the best approach (deductive or inductive)best approach (deductive or inductive)

Clarify aims/establish a “hook” to draw Clarify aims/establish a “hook” to draw students in…students in…

Proceed through the selected approach usingProceed through the selected approach using Get students to demonstrate their Get students to demonstrate their

understandingunderstanding Employ higher-level questioning and Employ higher-level questioning and

discussion strategiesdiscussion strategies

ReferencesReferences

Rodriguez, Mark A. (2006). Rodriguez, Mark A. (2006). Models of instructionModels of instruction. . Retrieved on August 10, 2008 from Retrieved on August 10, 2008 from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rodriguezm/373bspring0http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rodriguezm/373bspring06/concept_teaching_instru_model.htm6/concept_teaching_instru_model.htm

Trochim, William M.K. (2006). Trochim, William M.K. (2006). Deductive and Deductive and inductive thinkinginductive thinking. Retrieved on August 10, 2008 . Retrieved on August 10, 2008 from from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.phphttp://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php