Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Secondary

This book serves as a road map for Concept-Based teaching. Teachers will discover how to help students uncover conceptual relationships and transfer them to new situations. This includes strategies for introducing conceptual learning to students, how to assess conceptual understanding and how to differentiate concept-based instruction. For deep learning and innovative thinking, this book is the place to start.

“"While most good educators recognise the incredible value of teaching conceptually, it is challenging. Julie Stern, Krista Ferraro and Juliet Mohnkern have created accessible, practical baby steps for every teacher to use."”

"Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding is filled with assessments and ideas for teaching students to think conceptually in the classroom. Teachers can learn tools for developing student thinking and how to continually assess for conceptual understanding as learning happens. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to develop lessons and assessments to support deep, conceptual thinking in their classroom." -- Amy Reisner, Assistant Principal, District Concept-Based Trainer "As the product, and facilitator, of a topic-based, coverage-centered education for some four decades, discovering the value of a concept-based approach to teaching and learning has caused a paradigmatic shift both in my classroom and in my own intellectual journey. Julie Sterns book builds upon the best of recent educational theory and research to guide teachers on how to transform our students from fact-collectors into conceptual experts as they discover and transfer their understandings of the world around them, and ultimately, seek to solve real-world challenges." -- Neville Kirton, Head of Humanities Department "Stern's method provides a lucid framework to deepen conceptual understanding. Building upon the foundation laid by Erickson and Lanning, this approach provides tangible strategies for classroom teachers to nurture deeper learning." -- Richard Healy, Deputy Head of Secondary School "Julie Stern has truly "drilled down" the concept-based framework, providing an understandable guide for teaching and assessing conceptual understanding. It should be a "go to" resource for every teacher!" -- Susanne Long, Director of Curriculum, Research, & Development Services "Perhaps the most significant question every educationist asks today is how to meet the needs of all learners in a classroom. Conceptual learning teaches for deep understanding, and enables students to find patterns and make connections thus providing intellectual dignity. In the section on differentiation, there are clear action steps with examples as support for reaching out to all students. A must read for all those committed to concept-based teaching and instruction!" -- Mona Seervai, former Principal, IB Workshop Leader and Consultant, certified Concept based Trainer "The authors of Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding have crafted an incredible resource for teachers in secondary education. This book provides a strong rationale on the importance of concept based curriculum development in the classroom for the 21st century. The book delivers a framework on how to build a concept based classroom from the ground up, offering practical, easy-to-apply tools and techniques that will allow teachers to redesign their curriculum in a rigorous way, while providing a classroom environment of deep learning. From developing great lesson plans to on-point assessments that target conceptual understanding, this book is an incredible resource for classroom teachers". -- Maria Cardona, Middle school science IB instructor -- Dr. Vincent Chan, principal "This book addresses the need for students to learn critical dispositions and skills which go beyond traditional discipline knowledge and are essential for student success as innovators in the 21st century." -- Brenda Booth, Instructional Coach "I can't recommend this book enough! Exceptionally practical pedagogical techniques that are steeped in bags of authentic research. Addressing how children learn, how teachers can plan lessons within a conceptual framework, specific and useful differentiation techniques and feedback methods--so many meaningful and highly effective ways to move learners forward, preparing them for the future in a meaningful way." -- Julia Briggs, Certified Concept-Based trainer, IB science teacher and Chemistry Coordinator "This book is as essential to a teacher utilizing concept-based teaching as the approach of concept-based learning is essential to teaching." -- Ayo Magwood, Social Studies Teacher "If you are ready to have students really learn, get ready to be amazed. Here is the complete guide to creating your very own concept-based classroom. I have never read a book filled with so many great ideas that can be used in any classroom." -- Amanda McKee, Secondary Mathematics Instructor "Stern tears down the false dichotomies of traditional vs innovative education and provides the clarion call and practical tool kit for developing creativity by building and applying knowledge through Concept-Based learning. Every practitioner needs this book to juxtapose what worked well in the 20th Century with what is essential in the 21st Century and beyond." -- Michael McDowell, Superintendent

Julie Stern is an author, trainer and instructional coach, supporting schools in transforming teaching and learning around the globe. Her depth and breadth of knowledge combined with her vision and contagious energy make her an in-demand facilitator in many areas including visible learning, concept-based curriculum, differentiated classrooms and formative assessments. Julie is the author of Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, is certified in researcher John Hattie's Visible Learning as well as H. Lynn Erickson's Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction. She is a James Madison Constitutional Scholar and taught social studies for many years in DC and Louisiana. Julie previously served as the director of public policy and curriculum innovation at the Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools in Washington, DC, where she led the revision of curriculum in all subject areas grades 6 - 12. Her email is: and her blog is /

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