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K. Guru Charan Kumar                                                       www.eegurumantra.com

Planning Brainstorm: Five Steps for Deep, Conceptual Understanding that Transfers

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Step 1: Identify the concepts in the learning outcomes, standards, etc.

(concepts are usually nouns, 1 – 2 words we use to categorize and organize our world)

Step 2: Plan ways to foster meaning making of individual concepts (surface level learning).

p.71 – 75, elementary; p.52 – 56,

secondary

Step 3: Write conceptual questions (about the relationship between and among concepts). p.29, elementary; p. 25, secondary

Step 4: Think of one learning experience or context that will illuminate the answer to the conceptual questions and plan for students to articulate the relationship in their own words, using evidence from the context (deeper learning).

“I understand that… (concept)

(concept) For example…”

Generate, Sort, Connect, Elaborate

p. 81, elementary

Step 5: Think of at least two additional contexts or learning experiences that further illuminate the answer to the questions (learning transfer). p.84, elementary; p. 64-65, secondary.