Deputy Principal (Andrew Healey)

Concept Attainment

Last week  I jogged everyone’s memory on the instructional theory of concept attainment. A great approach to use when introducing certain themes or ‘concepts’ in a manner other than the stock standard method; define, example, practice and test. Concept attainment is not to be used every time when we introduce topics as it is a method that requires effort to set up and manage. Whenever a new approach is used students (and us) do not like change. Some of the challenges we face may be:

• Students have to understand that their hypothesis may not be correct the first time it is stated.
• Students must attend to details to fully grasp a concept and some may not be accustomed to working so intricately. 
• Some students do not like to take risks, so they may not participate in the group work.
• Students may “shut down” if the concept is too difficult for them to conceive.
• Students may not be socially able to work with others collaboratively.

That said, challenging students to think differently should always be explored at times.