Conceptual Understanding Professional Development K-12
Trainer: Engy Hammam
Duration: 12 Hours
Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Define conceptual understanding and distinguish it from procedural and factual knowledge.
2. Identify key principles and research-based strategies that promote conceptual learning.
3. Analyze the role of conceptual understanding in deep learning and knowledge transfer.
4. Explore instructional methods that enhance students’ conceptual grasp across subjects.
5. Design lesson plans and activities that foster conceptual understanding.
6. Assess students’ conceptual understanding using formative and summative approaches.
Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Conceptual Understanding
• What is conceptual understanding? (Definition and examples)
• Comparison: Conceptual vs. Procedural vs. Factual knowledge
• Why does conceptual understanding matter in K-12 education? (Research insights)
• Group discussion: Challenges in fostering conceptual learning
Module 2: Key Strategies to Build Conceptual Understanding
• Concept-based teaching and learning framework
• Inquiry-based learning and its role in developing deep understanding
• Socratic questioning and concept mapping
• Using real-world applications to strengthen conceptual learning
• Hands-on activity: Designing a concept-driven lesson
Module 3: Instructional Approaches for Deep Learning
• How to scaffold learning for deeper conceptual understanding
• The role of discussion, collaboration, and metacognition
• Teaching for transfer: Connecting concepts across subjects
• Case studies of effective conceptual learning in various disciplines
• Small group activity: Analyzing and improving a sample lesson
Module 4: Assessing Conceptual Understanding
• Formative vs. summative assessments for conceptual learning
• Alternative assessment strategies (rubrics, performance tasks, portfolios)
• Using student misconceptions to deepen learning
• Hands-on practice: Developing an assessment tool for a chosen concept
Module 5: Implementation and Action Planning
• Designing a unit plan with a focus on conceptual understanding
• Overcoming common challenges in implementation
• Peer feedback and discussion
• Personal action plan: How to apply learning in the classroom