2. DEFINITION OF THE STRATEGY USED
Another strategy that is applicable in teaching a variety of mathematical
concepts is concept attainment. This strategy is used when you want students
to discover the essential attributes of a concept. It can sharpen students’ skills
in
separating important from unimportant information;
searching for patterns and making generalizations; and,
defining and explaining concepts.
3. STEPS:
1. Select a concept and identify its essential attributes.
2. Present examples and non-examples of the concept.
3. Let students identify or define the concept based on its essential attributes.
4. Ask students to generate additional examples.
4. EVALUATING THE STRATEGY
The use of concept attainment strategy is successful when:
1. Students are able to identify the essential attributes of the concept.
2. Students are able to generate their own examples.
3. Students are able to describe the process they used to find the essential
attributes of the concept
5. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
OF CONCEPT ATTAINMENT STRATEGY
Advantages
They’re given the tools and scaffolding to arrive
at the rules and principles of the concept on
their own, which prompts deep exploration and
engages cognitive functions such as analysis and
critical thinking.
Acknowledging the innate knowledge and
ability of learners is an empowering process. In a
world where lifelong learning is the norm,
instilling the value that we can achieve learning
through independent work has long-term
implications for personal growth.
Disadvantages
Takes time. In the example of concept
attainment model, we see students take the
lead. They must be allowed to explore.
Sometimes this will take them in the wrong
direction.
Complex Issues Can’t Be Tackled. Concept
Attainment Model examples make clear there
are certain limitations to the technique. Not all
information lends itself to this kind of
comparison. Not all learning can be logically
reasoned out. There are some facts, information
and rules that would take too long to learn in
this way, and the process would not benefit its
