Conceptual Questions

In our module on conceptual understandings, we discuss that conceptual understandings, or generalizations, are statements that show a relationship between concepts. They help us design engaging, relevant units for our students by providing a bigger picture of the content. That can help students gain a deeper understanding of content and transfer their learning to new situations.

In this module, we will learn about how conceptual questioning can support an inquiry approach to using conceptual understandings with your students. While a deductive approach, in which a teacher provides the conceptual understandings, is probably more familiar to educators, an inductive, or inquiry approach, can provide opportunities for students to delve more deeply into the content. In this approach, teachers provide questions that guide students toward making their own conceptual understandings.
Inductive versus Deductive Approaches to Learning

Inductive versus Deductive Approaches to Learning

Key Terms

As you work through this module, here are a few key terms that might help you. Conceptual Understanding Key Terms

From Concept-Based Inquiry in Action

What are conceptual questions? Why use them?

In this video, we go over what conceptual understandings are, how to write them, and when to use them. At the end, there are some reflection questions that might be helpful as you begin to write your own conceptual understandings.