As I am getting into the second week of classes, I cannot help but feel encouraged. I know that week one is behind me! :)
This week in ssed307 we have been discussing concepts. Before I took this class, I thought I knew exactly what a concept was. I was dead wrong. I knew what a topic was. We learned that concepts are timeless, abstract, universal, and transferable. This checklist really helped me to understand that the concepts are the main idea. In class, we talked about the shift from fact based learning to concept based learning. Dr. Parker mentioned that the conceptual learning module allows students to make overarching connections and remember it for the test, not only the latter.
In my research, I found a great pdf from Davidson County Schools! It breaks down exactly what a concept is and examples of how to use the structure of knowledge in a classroom. It also has great scaffolding verbs and ideas. It is quite lengthy, but a great reference point.
http://www.davidson.k12.nc.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=406718
This connects to Standard 3 of the NCTCS quite well. In that standard, it says that teachers are responsible for recognizing the interconnectedness of the content areas. It also says that teachers should make learning relevant to students. Using concept based learning, multiple subjects can be integrated throughout the day. This makes student learning more purposeful. They can learn to learn by making the deep connections. When teachers also use concept based learning, they can make anything relevant to current events or something that is important to the students. The concepts make this easier because facts are just facts, and they do not connect to students very well sometimes.
In my future classroom, I intend to use this way of thinking to teach not only my social studies lessons, but also my other lessons as well. I am so thankful that I have been able to see the value that this holds in my instructional vault of educational tools. Now that I have learned about this, I could not think of going back to the fact-based learning system.
Stay encouraged, friends!
Mallory
I think it's really neat that you found such an excellent source from the school district that I grew up in and may go back to teach in! It's encouraging to see that what we are learning in class is very applicable to what teachers are expected to know in the field. I know it makes me feel more prepared to have a classroom of my own in the near future!
ReplyDeleteMallory,
ReplyDeleteI loved the image that you found on Scaffolding. It is a great visual that takes us through the depth of each level, just as we should encourage our students to take their thinking to the next level. Also, the questions "Why" and "So what?" that progress the thinking process as we move up from book to book were perfect transitions through that visual. I also could not agree more with you that you could never imagine going back to the fact based system. Conceptual learning trumps it in every way! Thank you for your positivity throughout your blog and your encouragement.
Mallory,
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog and a great find!!! I really appreciate how thorough you were on your blog - this helped me to see your thinking process. Excellent ideas for your future classroom. You are on your way to helping your future students truly learn!
Mallory,
ReplyDeleteI definitely had a wrong view of concepts, too before this class started. I definitely want to keep that resource you posted; it's very informative. I'm glad that this semester is going to dive deeper into using concepts in the classroom, because I feel completely unexperienced. Like you said, though, making the deeper connections is what it's all about in students' learning processes!