The Struggle of Concepts vs. Topics
Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a good week and things are starting to get under control as we begin a new semester. I've felt a little more comfortable this week with trying to organize all of my classes and assignments. However, I am nervous for the upcoming week due to a schedule of interviewing for the Teacher Education Program, along with taking the General Curriculum exam. Here's to hoping all of it goes well!
This week's information on concepts and topics in Social Studies was complicated for me to wrap my mind around. I, like most, have grown up in the teaching style of factual/topic-based learning. My social studies teachers have always taught to pass the test, and that's probably why I've never really enjoyed history or economics. The idea of teaching students mainly through concepts is intimidating! I'm worried that I will not be successful in this area, because that's a completely different mindset than what I am use to. However, I am excited to learn a new style of teaching Social Studies this semester, and hope to succeed by teaching my students in a more beneficial way.
While researching additional information on concept-based learning through Social Studies, I came across this pdf: http://worldview.unc.edu/files/2013/07/Getting-the-Big-Idea-Handout.pdf that I think is super helpful. The pdf goes into detail about defining concepts and topics. This was already previously stated in the video Dr. Parker posted, but it lays it out in a visual aid, for those who learn better this way. I like this pdf because it took learning to a new level. We know that facts make up topics and topics make up concepts. However, there is a venn diagram on this page that brings in the next step, action. In my future classroom, I will aim to help my students understand the big picture of whatever subject they are learning. Then, it's important to reiterate this understanding with an action. In my classroom, my students will complete projects and activities to help with a physical understanding of the material.
This page also provides a layout for developing concept-based lessons. It's similar to a lesson plan template, but is focusing solely on what is the "big idea" is, what the objectives are, how I can incorporate this into my class, and how I will assess the students. I plan to keep this document saved and utilize this template for my future lesson plans. I recommend this tool for other teachers to use, as well. Finally, the pdf is beneficial because it lists the different types of concepts a teacher can teach in his/her classroom. I did not realize there are multiple types, but this pdf lists the difference between unit, core, and overall concepts, which is helpful in establishing what concept you would like to teach and what is appropriate at the time.
Throughout this whole week of learning about concepts and topics, as well as researching additional information on the matter, the NCTCS III, Section C is addressed, if not completely centered around. This standard establishes the importance of teachers understanding the interconnectedness of content areas and promoting global awareness and its relevance. We, as future teachers, need to understand NOW that teaching Social Studies (and every other area for that matter) is no longer a subject that should be taught to "pass the exam." This is not effective. We must teach students the overarching, big idea of topics. This develops a deeper, vertical understanding, as well as a lasting understanding. When students cram facts in their heads for tests, they immediately lose that information once it's no longer relevant. However, if they understand the importance of the topic, then it is more likely to stay with them and aid in developing well-rounded, effective citizens of society.
Hope you all enjoyed this blog post! Have a great week!
I hope you all had a good week and things are starting to get under control as we begin a new semester. I've felt a little more comfortable this week with trying to organize all of my classes and assignments. However, I am nervous for the upcoming week due to a schedule of interviewing for the Teacher Education Program, along with taking the General Curriculum exam. Here's to hoping all of it goes well!
This week's information on concepts and topics in Social Studies was complicated for me to wrap my mind around. I, like most, have grown up in the teaching style of factual/topic-based learning. My social studies teachers have always taught to pass the test, and that's probably why I've never really enjoyed history or economics. The idea of teaching students mainly through concepts is intimidating! I'm worried that I will not be successful in this area, because that's a completely different mindset than what I am use to. However, I am excited to learn a new style of teaching Social Studies this semester, and hope to succeed by teaching my students in a more beneficial way.
While researching additional information on concept-based learning through Social Studies, I came across this pdf: http://worldview.unc.edu/files/2013/07/Getting-the-Big-Idea-Handout.pdf that I think is super helpful. The pdf goes into detail about defining concepts and topics. This was already previously stated in the video Dr. Parker posted, but it lays it out in a visual aid, for those who learn better this way. I like this pdf because it took learning to a new level. We know that facts make up topics and topics make up concepts. However, there is a venn diagram on this page that brings in the next step, action. In my future classroom, I will aim to help my students understand the big picture of whatever subject they are learning. Then, it's important to reiterate this understanding with an action. In my classroom, my students will complete projects and activities to help with a physical understanding of the material.
This page also provides a layout for developing concept-based lessons. It's similar to a lesson plan template, but is focusing solely on what is the "big idea" is, what the objectives are, how I can incorporate this into my class, and how I will assess the students. I plan to keep this document saved and utilize this template for my future lesson plans. I recommend this tool for other teachers to use, as well. Finally, the pdf is beneficial because it lists the different types of concepts a teacher can teach in his/her classroom. I did not realize there are multiple types, but this pdf lists the difference between unit, core, and overall concepts, which is helpful in establishing what concept you would like to teach and what is appropriate at the time.
Throughout this whole week of learning about concepts and topics, as well as researching additional information on the matter, the NCTCS III, Section C is addressed, if not completely centered around. This standard establishes the importance of teachers understanding the interconnectedness of content areas and promoting global awareness and its relevance. We, as future teachers, need to understand NOW that teaching Social Studies (and every other area for that matter) is no longer a subject that should be taught to "pass the exam." This is not effective. We must teach students the overarching, big idea of topics. This develops a deeper, vertical understanding, as well as a lasting understanding. When students cram facts in their heads for tests, they immediately lose that information once it's no longer relevant. However, if they understand the importance of the topic, then it is more likely to stay with them and aid in developing well-rounded, effective citizens of society.
Hope you all enjoyed this blog post! Have a great week!
Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog this week! I really appreciate your writing style - it is clear and easy to follow. I also appreciate the specific connections you are making throughout your response. Keep up the great work!
I am not sure if I am ever going to get into the swing of things this semester. Every time I about think that I am figuring it out something else hits me. But this is only the second week so I hope things will start to clear up.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about the interview coming up. I am super anxious about it. Good luck on the exam next week.
I also know what you mean about the concepts and topics. I think I understand it pretty well I am just worried on how I will work it into a class. Like you, I am worried that I will not be able to do it the right way and do my students justice because I am not as familiar with it. However, I am hoping that will be remedied this semester. Also thank you so much for including the link to that pdf it is extremely helpful.