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The concept attainment model of teaching is a strategy developed by Jerome Bruner. It’s an inductive teaching method in which learners identify the attributes in a data set and then define the category they belong to and its characteristics.
Bruner was a psychologist who studied the way we think. His book, A Study Of Thinking, was published in 1956 and in it, along with his co-authors, he described the process of concept attainment. Learners perform better if allowed to arrive at their own conclusions, is what they found during their research.
Inductive teaching methods are popular strategies in the modern classroom. Let’s look at how these work and where concept attainment model can be used.
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Concept Attainment Model By Bruner
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Advantages Of Concept Attainment Model
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Disadvantages Of Concept Attainment
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Inductive Versus Deductive Strategies
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More Inductive Learning Strategies
Concept Attainment Model By Bruner
Bruner was a proponent of discovery learning. He believed learners do better when they discover information for themselves through a process of reasoning and exploration. We sometimes know this as constructivist learning. Bruner’s concept attainment model is part of this, where learners code the information they receive before they’re taught the concept.
To understand Bruner’s idea better, let’s look at an example of concept attainment model.
An elementary school teacher identifies a topic that has clear rules. Say, for instance, they wish to study the difference between land and aquatic animals. Here are some steps that might follow:
- The teacher presents a picture of a clownfish to the class. This is an example of what they will study or a ‘yes’ example. Then the teacher shows them the picture of a cheetah as an example of what they won’t be studying
- Next, they’re shown a dolphin as another ‘yes’ example. And then, a porcupine as a ‘no’ example. This process continues, after which learners are asked to list the characteristics of aquatic animals
- During this phase, the teacher can share any information they think is relevant as a prompt
- The teacher then names the concept they’re learning and explains it further
In concept attainment, the teacher is a facilitator in the classroom, providing just enough information and prompts for students to learn on their own. Bruner’s concept attainment model is fun for young learners. It can apply to older learners as well, and in subjects as diverse as language, mathematics and chemistry. Anywhere a comparison can be made, the concept attainment model can be used.
Advantages Of Concept Attainment Model
There was a time that we considered the teacher or professor the fountain of knowledge and the students and learners were their passive receptacles. The classroom was about note-taking and knowledge was measured through examinations and testing. However, this paradigm has shifted. It’s no longer the belief that learners have no agency in the learning process. This is at the heart of the concept attainment model. Let’s look at its advantages:
- Like all forms of inductive teaching, students are engaged in formulating concepts. In concept attainment model examples, 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
- The concept attainment model of teaching is a student-led model, which is conducive to group work in the classroom. It helps foster teamwork and cooperation
- 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
Concept attainment model examples show how it’s possible to give students the onus of learning.
Disadvantages Of Concept Attainment
While its strength is undisputed, concept attainment and inductive processes in the classroom aren’t universally applicable. Sometimes, a more linear flow of information can be beneficial. Let’s look at some disadvantages of the concept attainment model:
- It 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. A well-conducted inductive classroom supports this. Time is taken to provide the tools for research, and corrections are made if the students are off track. This is an inherent part of the process and can’t be short-circuited. If there isn’t enough time, the concept attainment model may not be appropriate
- 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 learners
- Some students might not like it. Those unused to inductive teaching strategies may not understand it. It may not appeal to learners who prefer a deductive approach
Whether or not it’s applicable to every situation, the concept attainment model can be used in any classroom in some form. We can even use it in assessments. This makes it a versatile tool in the hands of instructional designers.
Inductive Versus Deductive Strategies
As we’ve seen, the concept attainment model by Bruner is an inductive teaching strategy. From the example of concept attainment model, we understand it works by presenting facts to learners, having them weigh the characteristics of these facts to come up with rules that apply to the concept.
The deductive model of teaching, on the other hand, first presents students with rules that apply to a certain concept and then has them explore the characteristics. The inductive model has several benefits over the deductive one. These are:
1. Gets Students Thinking
In all kinds of inductive strategies, students are challenged to think more. They’re expected to use their own processes of reasoning, analysis and logic to arrive at answers. In this way, it engages higher cognitive function among learners and promotes learning agility.
2. Creates A Strong Foundation
There’s been much criticism of traditional teaching techniques which rely on lectures and rote learning. In contrast, we believe inductive methods promote a deeper understanding of the subject.
3. Promotes Lifelong Learning
Learning is no longer considered to be something we do as young people only. More and more, we need to keep learning to keep moving professionally. Inductive methods of teaching encourage a culture of curiosity and questioning that lasts a lifetime. Self-guided learning is a powerful tool and methods such as the concept attainment model of teaching sets us up for this.
The deductive model is a teacher-led strategy. By presenting learners with facts which they must learn, it doesn’t allow as much space for independent thought and creativity. However, inductive strategies aren’t always effective where the concept being taught is complex, ambiguous and depends on facts the students don’t already have. Thus, each has its place.
More Inductive Learning Strategies
Concept attainment is one of several kinds of inductive teaching strategies. In inductive instructional design, there are others to consider, depending on the needs of the cohort. Here are a few:
1. Case-Based Learning
We often use a case study in higher education, such as in management schools. Learners will read accounts of corporate success, entrepreneurship and crisis management. The lessons that can be learned from these real-life examples are powerful. They’re used in many other fields as well, such as law and medicine.
2. Inquiry-Based Learning
Students are presented with a problem, topic or challenge and ask to respond to it. The challenge will help them explore knowledge and information they don’t already have. This could be as simple as writing an essay on a topic that has not previously been covered, or it can be more involved with experimentation and group work.
3. Project-Based Learning
In project-based learning, participants are given a task to complete as project work. This can be solo or group work, and often will take place over several weeks or even an entire semester. It allows students to come up with a practical project and use problem-solving skills to complete it. It’s a popular feature in classrooms in schools and colleges and even for postgraduate learners.
The core of all these models, including Bruner’s concept attainment model, is that learners benefit from acquiring knowledge on their own, as it deepens their understanding, promotes curiosity and sets them on a path for further exploration.
Inductive teaching methods have been widely adopted across educational institutions in the past decades. Bruner’s concept attainment model, too, is used widely in the classroom. Keeping up to date with modern teaching techniques, course design, and teaching styles is the job of every educator. Teachers continue their learning process through their entire careers, both in terms of the subject they teach and how they teach it.
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