The Learning Scientists Podcast
Episode 10 - Concrete Examples
Jan 3, 2018
Discover how using concrete examples can demystify abstract ideas in education. The hosts reveal that novices often fixate on surface features, missing core concepts. They share memorable teaching moments, like using candy to illustrate operant conditioning—only for students to remember the sweets. The podcast delves into applying economics principles like scarcity through relatable scenarios. Also discussed are visual aids and turning everyday objects, like fidget spinners, into engaging learning opportunities. Tune in for valuable insights on enhancing student understanding!
22:03
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Quick takeaways
- Concrete examples are vital for understanding abstract concepts, as they provide relatable scenarios that enhance memory retention.
- Novice learners often focus on surface features rather than underlying principles, necessitating explicit connections between examples and core ideas for deeper understanding.
Deep dives
The Power of Concrete Examples in Learning
Using concrete examples is essential for aiding comprehension of abstract concepts, as abstract ideas are generally harder to remember than concrete ones. For instance, when students are asked to remember abstract terms like 'trust' or 'genius,' their recall tends to be poorer compared to more tangible terms like 'bicycle' or 'flower.' Concrete examples serve to bridge the gap between a student’s understanding and the abstract idea by providing relatable scenarios. By utilizing numerous concrete instances, students are better positioned to grasp and retain the underlying abstract concept.
