Concepts vs. Topics: Bringing clarity for IB PYP teachers
Concepts vs. Topics: Let's Get clear.
In Module 1, Lesson 2 of my online professional development course, Essentials for Inquiry: Getting Started with Student-Led Inquiry, I dive into bringing inquiry teachers an understanding all about conceptual teaching and learning. As an inquiry teacher, it's that important to have this fundamental understanding right from the beginning because we approach our teaching through a transdisciplinary lens, and it is through those concepts that the children are able to make their meaning far more enduring, transferring this understanding across disciplines, time and place. As we plan conceptual learning experiences for and with the students, we want their learning to have this authenticity and the scope for expansion as they begin to make those rich connections, forming meaning for themselves. In this article, I'm delighted to be sharing teacher-author, Misty Paterson, as she helps to uncover the difference between concepts and topics. The following video from our recent LIVE chat on Facebook, brings amazing insight, as Misty shares her strategies from her new book, Pop-Up Studio.
"A hands-on pedagogical process and platform that combines critical concepts, compelling materials, and dynamic experiences to spark curiosity and make learning more meaningful and memorable with our students—anywhere, anytime. " Misty Paterson
You can find out more about Misty's book, Pop-Up Studio, on her website, popupstudioed.com
Prepare yourself to be fully engaged as you learn more about the what, why and how of concept-based inquiry. This conversation last about an hour and is FULL of good stuff! So, get comfortable, grab a pen and a notebook and enjoy!
If you are looking for professional development with concept-based inquiry, take a look at my self-paced, online course, Essentials for Inquiry: Getting Started with Student-Led Inquiry. It offers 12+ hours of video based learning that has helped hundreds of teachers from all around the world, make the shift to a confident facilitator of student-led inquiry. As always, please do keep in touch and share your own ideas and strategies too. Our community is actively sharing on social media and I'd love to have you come along and say hello. You can find me on Instagram @pypteaching Facebook at PYP Teaching Tools.
Enjoy!
P.S. If you are looking for more guidance with understanding concept-based learning through student led inquiry, you will LOVE my online course, Essentials for Inquiry. It is packed with information within 12+ hours of self paced video learning. Take a look here.
