What makes Conceptual Learning Important?

What is conceptual learning? 

Most simply, the term conceptual learning can be explained as an integrated understanding of important concepts. That is, when one learns and focuses on understanding vital concepts instead of just learning facts, the method is called conceptual learning. It involves students engaging in quality learning experiences with key concepts and ideas rather than using the traditional methods of learning topics.  

This educational strategy helps put the information in a logical order such that one can learn and understand the new concepts by relating them to the concepts they already know. This way they better grasp why a concept is significant and how it can be applied in situations. Furthermore, it also enhances and aids retention. 

Examples of Conceptual Learning

Conceptual learning is all about the big idea and the ‘why’ that solves a problem. And thus, this is the most effective technique especially with subjects like Math and Science which are all about concepts.

In Math: It helps students understand tables, formulas and algorithms instead of merely memorizing them. It involves various exercises to assist students in becoming increasingly competent with essential skills.  

In Science: It’s very easy to form misconceptions in science, but these can also be clarified just as easily. Concentrating on the concepts helps you resonate with the functions, principles and theories better.    

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Advantages of conceptual learning:

• Encourages understanding rather than memorization, which would retain for longer.
• This method encourages a dynamic learning system, ensuring that learning is both flexible and continuous.
• Content might change all the time but concepts remain the same and thus,  conceptual learning helps you always be informed with the basic notion.
• You can better relate fresh information with previously acquired knowledge and therefore enhance retention.  

Disadvantages of conceptual learning:

• Through this learning style it takes longer time and more effort to acquire the information than in traditional methods.
• It has to be customized and personalized according to each student's abilities. 

And since the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, we would say this is a good change and one you must venture into. 

What is the Importance of Conceptual Learning? 

Conceptual learning is the future of our education system as it’s a notion that has a lot of scope to reform and strengthen our society. And though we have already seen some of the advantages here are a few more pointers to prove to you its importance:  

• When students learn to understand concepts, it helps them know how to better apply their learning in the future. 
• This approach enhances critical thinking and self-evaluation.
• When the information is taught through comprehension it’s easy to retain and recreate if forgotten.
• When students and teachers have a conceptual understanding of concepts they begin to construct their exemplar. This empowers them by helping solve any problem throughout their careers.
• It also enables them to draw from what they learnt and use it to grasp new concepts. This develops an understanding of inter-relation.

How can teachers promote conceptual change? 

As a teacher, the responsibility of bringing about a positive change in students' learning habits relies on you. And here are a few ways that you can promote this positive change in:

• Design your lesson focusing on concepts rather than facts.
• Identify and address students' ideas, expectations and explanations prior to instructions.
• Provide opportunities for students' ideas to evolve by facilitating exchange of views and challenging students to compare their ideas.   
• Provide context by motivating experiences relating to the concept. 
• Allow and encourage students to use their new ideas wherever they can.

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