Concept-Based Teaching & Learning 2D versus 3D curriculum These slides may be used on a limited basis to share information in your school or school district with appropriate credits to H. Lynn Erickson.

Critical, Creative, and Conceptual Thinking

SCIENCE: Plants, snakes, fish, the human body, genes, volcanoes, the Earth, space travel, machines, water, mountains, streams… AMERICAN HISTORY: American Revolution, Westward Movement, the Constitution, our Government, the Civil War, the 60’s, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Colorado leaders, Native Americans… ENGLISH: Grammar, syntax, essays, Edgar Allan Poe, The Cay, Romeo and Juliet, Poetry, Fiction, Non-fiction, Skills… ART: Van Gogh, Picasso, drawing, crafts, art appreciation…

Two Dimensional Curriculum Model- Processes & Skills Factual Content Topic-based

Concepts & Principles Processes & Skills Factual Content Three Dimensional Curriculum Model- Concept-based

Two-dimensional vs. Three-dimensional Coverage-centered Idea-centered “inch deep, mile wide” -facts provide a foundation to understand conceptual, transferable ideas. Intellectually shallow Intellectual depth - lacks a conceptual focus -a “conceptual lens,” or focus, to create a factual/ requires mental processing on conceptual brain synergy the factual and conceptual levels-- producing intellectual depth in thinking and understanding. Inability to transfer Concepts and Generalizations Transfer factual knowledge -allows the brain to make connections - facts do not transfer; and see patterns. locked in time, place, or situation. Fails to meet the intellectual Develops the intellect to handle a world demands of the 21 st century of increasing complexity and accelerating change. Key Points

Factual Level Topics/Facts Conceptual Level Generalizations “Big Ideas” Curriculum Design

The Value of Concept-based Instruction Engages the personal intellect and emotions of the student; increases motivation for learning. Requires a higher level of thinking. Teaches students how to see patterns and connections between facts and ideas. Provides relevant focus for content study.

The Value of Concept-based Instruction Facilitates the transfer of knowledge. Meets different ability levels Creates a brain schema for processing new information Develops verbal and written fluency with the English language - Develops the art of conversation - Deepens reading comprehension