‘Do not trim your nails after dark’, this is a common belief in India and is often heard in our homes. Now have you ever wondered what goes behind this. The reason is simple, our ancestors condoned trimming nails after dark because they are sharp and could hurt someone, as the illumination was sparse back then.
Now, you are someone who understands the core reason behind the long-followed belief. This is precisely what conceptual learning brings to the table. Instead of just focusing on the concept, it also emphasises on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of every concept. Let us dive deeper into understanding this approach to learning.
What is Conceptual Learning?
Quote: “Conceptual Learning is defined as the students’ ability to understand, organise and apply key ideas without rote memorisation” (Biggs & Tang, 2011)
This conceptual learning definition, though a little complex it delivers across the right idea. It is an educational approach urging students to not just simply memorise the concept, but also understand and extract the key idea behind the concept. On understanding the concept, they can easily apply its ideas in different contexts, effectively increasing the scope of the lessons they learn. For more clarity you can refer to the examples given in the next section of this read
Some easy-to-understand examples of Conceptual Learning
Conceptual learning can be observed everywhere around us but conceptual learning in education carries a significant importance. Without further ado, here are some examples on how students use conceptual learning while studying.
History, a vast subject that reminisces the past events, students learn to not just memorise dates and significant events. Every event holds a political, social or a cultural significance, enlightening the students on the historical roots behind current issues.
Politics, a subject that deals with the intricacies of decision making and governance. It’s not just about learning the party names or dates of their formation anymore, students are taught to understand core concepts like rights, responsibilities, representation. They learn to recognise these concepts around their everyday life, at home, in school, at their future workplace etc.
Mathematics, a nightmare that becomes a delight for your kid when conceptual learning is used to learn this subject. For instance, a simple concept such as counting holds a lot of importance. Almost every day we do something requires a mathematical concept; a common example can be receiving the right amount of change from the vendor.
Science, a subject fundamentally based out of the principles of conceptual learning, most of the scientific theories were formulated out of curiosity. Each concept is an answer to an inquisitive question. So, when your child is learning a scientific concept, they naturally learn the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind a phenomenon.
The above examples are also a guide to how some of the best IB schools inculcate conceptual learning in budding minds.
Choosing conceptual learning over rote learning
Though the rote learning approach is used for memorising dates in history and definitions, it does not prove to be effective in the long-run. Students often forget the fundamental concepts that drive everyday happenings. And when it comes to the application of these, they hit a wall. Meanwhile, when conceptual learning is employed by the students, they retain the concepts for a much longer period and find it easier to apply their learnings in diverse contexts.
This concludes that conceptual learning is a better educational approach than old fashioned rote learning. The current educational policy, NEP 2020, also proposes a change from rote learning to an educational approach that focuses on enhancing critical thinking, creativity and conceptual learning. One of the top high schools in Hyderabad, Glendale Academy, in particular, is actively embracing this change
How do educators at Glendale Academy inculcate conceptual learning in students?
“Is my child using the conceptual learning approach?”, undoubtedly this question might be ringing in the minds of all concerned parents out there. Well, you can rest assured that our curriculums focus on inquiry-based learning, relating new information to prior knowledge and using fresh and innovative teaching methodologies. This is the very basis for conceptual learning. We are also home to initiatives that help students apply their learnings to real-world situations.
Furthermore, to understand if your child has grasped the concept and its application, a Smart Report Card is used for assessment. It uses 8 elements that assess the holistic growth of your child. We are one of the best IGCSE Cambridge schools in Hyderabad that follow this learning framework. To explore more about us, reach out through our website.
