Moving Beyond the "I Wonders" Summer Training 2013
Concept A Mental construct that frames a set of examples sharing common attributes; concepts are timeless, universal, and abstract (to varying degrees). Specific examples (e.g., cycles, diversity, and interdependence) of the concept may vary, but the attributes are the same. For example, a cycle is a timeless concept. Although specific examples of a cycle differ-water cycle, rock cycle, historical cycle-they all have the attribute of being a repeating pattern.
Each discipline has concepts that range from macro to micro concepts.
Macro-Concepts Key/Significant concepts, transfer over subject/content areas, are very broad. Macro-concepts are often called “integrating concepts” because they can collapse many different examples. They provide the breath of understanding.
Micro-concepts Reflect the deeper knowledge of the specific discipline. They are content specific. Micro-concepts provide the depth of understanding.
Timeless, Universal, Consider the transferability of ideas through time and across cultures or situations.
Abstract consider (something) theoretically or separately from something else
Conceptual Lens The integrating, focus concept for a topic-based study. The conceptual lens pulls thinking to the conceptual and transferable levels, and integrates thinking between the factual and conceptual lens.
Universal Generalizations Two or more concepts stated in a relationship (enduring understandings) Ideas that transfer through time, across cultures, or across situations. Example: Living organisms adapt to changing environments.
Topic A topic does not include a concept. A topic is specific people, places, situations, or things.
Sub-topics The content to be experienced through the unit learning experiences. The subtopics are brainstormed on the overview web under each strand surrounding the unite title.
Sub-Concepts Concepts to be explored through the unit learning experiences. The sub Concepts are brainstormed along with subtopics for the unit overview web.
Fact-Based Instruction places the instructional emphasis on learning facts related to specific topics. Knowledge related to the facts is the end goal.
Concept Based Instruction places the instructional emphasis on understanding the concepts, principles, and transferrable ideas that arise from the study of significant topics and facts. Deeper conceptual understanding supported by specific facts is the end goal.