How does conceptual understanding impact learning?The focus of an MYP curriculum is on conceptual understanding. "The International Baccalaureate (IB) values education more as the transformation of understanding and the collaborative construction of meaning, and less as the transmission of knowledge and rote memorization of facts. Consequently, conceptual understanding is a significant and enduring goal for teaching and learning in the IB programmes" (MYP From Principles to Practice 2014).
Concepts are the big ideas, or significant principles, for a subject. By focusing on broader concepts that underlie disciplines, students are asked to make connections between facts with larger issues and ideas, transfer ideas between disciplines, and build a deeper understanding of conceptual ideas that they will retain by exploring and re-exploring concepts as they grow. MYP's organizing concepts can be thought of as interlinking ideas that promote students depth of understanding when they all work together. Below are some resources for determining the conceptual approach that will work best in different disciplines, as well as how to make it visible for students.
IB Webinars:
Learning in Global Contexts 2/17/18 |
Royal Oak Schools |
Conceptual Learning |