Hierarchic: 4 Main Ideas

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Name:

Suzanne Cook
Is about

Date:

10/8/2013

Concept Attainment
Main idea Main idea

The concept attainment model allows students to develop a deeper understanding of a concept and to practice their critical thinking skills. Students make hypothesis based on the examples and non-examples the teacher provided for the class to arrive at a concept.
Main idea Main idea

Planning

Implementing

Assessment

Motivation

The planning process occurs in four steps: 1.) Identify Topics- Teachers need to pick a topic that is important for students to know. Students should have familiarity with the topic. 2.) Specify Learning Objectives- Teachers should be very clear on their learning objectives because this will help guide them when they are choosing examples. 3.) Select examples and non-examplesChoose examples that best represent the concept. Choose non-examples that contrast the concept. Concept development and elaboration are very important. 4.) Sequence examples and non-examplesExamples should be arranged so students c can have more practice and to be challenged. Teachers should not put the obvious answer first. The organization of the examples is based off of the teachers judgment, the objectives of the lesson, and the background of the students.

The concept attainment model begins as soon as the teacher presents to the class examples and nonexamples of a concept and continues till the students have come up with a hypothesis and applied the hypothesis to new examples. Implementing lessons occurs in four phases: 1.) Introduction- A teacher should use precise language when introducing the lesson. The teacher will need to explain how the students will perform the activity. 2.) Examples and hypothesizing- A teacher presents examples and non-examples to the class. The students then use the examples and non-examples to form a hypothesis based on the concept. 3.) Analysis cycle- Teachers present different examples and non-examples. The students reexamine their hypothesis and form a new hypothesis based on the new examples. 4.) Closure and Application- Students should have agreed on one hypothesis. Teachers ask the students to identify the main characteristics of the lesson, state a definition, and find similarities to other concepts. Teachers should close the lesson by asking students to state their own definition. This allows teachers to see if the students have a deep understanding of the concept. Concept Mapping is another way for students to connect their concept to other similar concepts.

Students should have a deeper understanding of the concept and should be better critical thinker after using the concept attainment model. Assessment can occur by asking students to: 1.) Define the concept-This is usually the easiest way to access students knowledge but it does have disadvantages. 2.) Identify the concepts characteristicsthis usually measures more than the ability to recall knowledge. 3.) Relate the concept to other concepts 4.) Identify or supply examples of the concept not previously encountered- This is the most effective way of assessing students understanding of the concepts. It is very easy to prepare. Students will be more likely to apply what they learned to other concepts. Combining all the different ways to access students knowledge can allow teacher to see how well their students are learning.

This model allows students to use examples and non-examples to find out what is the teachers concept. This can promote curiosity and students will be more challenged to solve the problem. More variety activities in the classroom= more student motivation Group work can encourage students to be more involved in the activity and become better critical thinkers. A students metacognition will be increased and this can lead to a student having better selfregulation. Students will be motivated to apply their new knowledge to other concepts.

So what? What is important to understand about this?

The concept attainment model allows students to a form a hypothesis based on the teachers examples and non-examples. Students will become better critical thinkers when using this model. Students will get to experience using the scientific method in the classroom. The process used in this model can be applied in the everyday life.