Helping pupils to learn well is obviously important, otherwise we are likely to be wasting our time.
There are some ways that are more effective than others. It turns out that if we identify the concepts aka big ideas and teach pupils these, then they are likely to know more, remember more and be able to do more, over time.
It’s helpful to know that there is research from several quarters that supports the idea that learning is likely to be deeper if we spend time identifying and teaching our pupils concepts.
As with any research, these are insights that might be helpful, as opposed to something we are compelled to use. Daniel Willingham discusses the importance of concepts for learning in ‘Why Don’t Students Like School?’
And this is echoed by Stephen Pinker ‘Cognitive psychology has shown that the mind best understands facts when they are woven into a conceptual fabric, such as a narrative, mental map, or intuitive theory. Disconnected facts in the mind are like unlinked pages on the web: They might as well not exist.’ Pretty strong stuff!
The good news is that there are plenty of concepts, but there aren’t too many. Where is the best place to look for them? Well, there are two main sources: the starting point is national curriculum documents for each subject. In the purpose statements at the start of the programmes of study the big ideas and concepts are set out for each subject.
And the second place to find them is in high quality texts. When we work in this way, we are increasing the odds of our pupils knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more. These insights have informed a big part of my work over the last few years. It’s why we have developed The Teachers’ Collection. It has the outline planning and vocabulary for over 100 high quality texts which have been linked to the national curriculum programmes of study. It’s a joy working on this and it’s brilliant to hear how teachers and pupils are getting on. They’re finding that they too know more, remember more and are able to do more when the big ideas come to life through a beautiful text.
Until next time
Mary
The Huh Academy now has intro webinars for all the courses: covering the curriculum, leadership, building teams, wellbeing and helping pupils find their voice.
I buy into this idea more than almost any I’ve read - share the big picture, share the end goal. I used to work on my grandad’s farm and took instructions blindly without really knowing what I was aiming for and noticed a transformation of my ability to complete tasks well when he started sharing his vision with me more. I use this at school too - when we write anything lengthy, I share everything that makes a successful example of the work they’re doing as well as the example itself. If you want to help your students achieve ambitious projects, this is a must. Great advice Mary 😊