Models of Instruction

Concept Teaching Instructional Strategy

• nInvolves the learning of specific concepts, the nature of concepts, and the development of logical reasoning & critical thinking
• nMay be deductive (rule to example) or inductive (example to rule)
• nProceeds through 4 primary phases:
  1. 1.Clarify goals & conditions
  2. 2.Illustrate examples & nonexamples
  3. 3.Students provide examples & nonexamples to demonstrate attainment of concept
  4. 4.Guide students to think about their own thinking (examine their decisions, consequences of choices, how concept fits in with bigger picture)
• Using Concept Teaching in the Classroom
  • nSelect Big Idea concepts and determine the best approach:
    • n inductive through direct presentation of the concept first, or
    • nDeductive (Concept Attainment) through examples/nonexamples & guided discovery
  • nClarify aims/establish a “hook” to draw students in
  • nProceed through the selected inductive or deductive approach using examples & nonexamples
  • nGet students to demonstrate their understanding
  • nEmploy higher-level questioning & discussion strategies -- help students analyze their own thinking processes.
• Web Links to Concept Teaching
  • nConcept Teaching strategies with additional links
  • nConcept Mapping Homepage 
  • nOverview of Concept Attainment Teaching
  • nConcept Attainment
  • nConcept Formation
  • nDiscovery Learning
  • nConcept Teaching through Inquiry
  • nInductive Approach
  • nInductive/Deductive links