Generalizations- Next Step

I talked thoroughly about concept-based instruction in my last post and emphasized the importance of teaching concept-based instruction, rather than traditional fact-based instruction, because of the deeper and more intellect thinking that concept-based instruction produces. This week, I want to focus on the next step in developing concept-based instruction and how this next step is essential in producing meaningful and purposeful social studies curriculum.

Once concepts are developed in a social studies unit, generalizations are to be formed and learned. What is a generalization? A generalization consists of two or more concepts tied together to produce a statement that connects the concepts, while providing a qualifier. A qualifier being a statement such as: most of the time, often, or can be. Generalizations are seen to be the "roof "or finishing component of the building blocks of concept-based instruction, resting upon the facts, topics, and concepts.

So, why are generalizations so important and essential to concept-based instruction? Generalizations sum up the facts, topics, and concepts into one complete statement. Generalizations produce the highest level of thinking, and if our students can reach that level, we have done our job as teachers. According to the Unit Development Process by the Public Schools of North Carolina, our highest goal as teachers should be that the students can derive the generalization on their own: "Your ultimate goal should be to have your students derive the generalizations naturally, based on the content and concepts that you have selected as the core of your instructional conceptual unit." If our students can do this, we have accomplished our goal as meaningful and powerful social studies teachers.

Generalizations are not easy to develop. It takes time, thought, and practice to develop an understandable and complete generalization. The site that I will list at the bottom of the blog is great in understanding how to develop generalizations and it takes you step-by-step through the process. Basically, the main guidelines in producing your generalization are using present tense (timeless), showing a transferable relationship between the concepts, and using a qualifier. With these guidelines, a well-developed and profound generalization can be formed.

Concept-based instruction is not complete without the "roof"- generalization. As future teachers, we cannot just stop at the facts, topics, or even concepts. We must sum up all three of these components and help the students understand the meaning and "big idea" of the unit. If our students can form the generalization on their own, then we are going above and beyond as teachers and accomplishing our goal. Meaningful, purposeful, and powerful education is not complete without generalizations!

Link to helpful website: http://cbci.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/Generalizations.