Abstract & Concrete
Recommended Practice: Connect abstract and concrete representations of concepts.
- Overview & Tools: Video overviews and professional development materials
- Learn What Works: Expert interviews about connecting abstract and concrete representations of concepts
- See How It Works: Videos and sample materials from schools
Connecting Abstract and Concrete Representations of Concepts
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > Overview & Tools
View this multimedia overview to learn about how connecting abstract ideas with concrete situations can help students understand difficult concepts and transfer their knowledge to new situations.
Resource Type
Overview
Using Concrete Situations to Introduce Content
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > Learn What Works
In this interview, Dr. Brian Bottge talks about how teachers can introduce content with real-world problem scenarios and make connections with abstract concepts.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Graphic Organizer for Teaching Vocabulary With Visuals
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > See How It Works
Middle-school teacher Bonnie Bowen uses this graphic organizer in her classroom to incorporate the use of visuals in vocabulary instruction. Related Files: Plainwell Middle School Description...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Learning Together About Connecting Abstract and Concrete Representations of Concepts
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > Overview & Tools
This training activity can be used to convene a school in-service session for teachers to learn why and how to make concrete connections to abstract concepts. Related Media and Files: Planning...
Resource Type
Tool
Discuss and Design: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Visual Representations
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > Overview & Tools
Use this tool to guide discussions, in groups, of ways to use graphics to promote learning. Related Media and Files: Using Graphics to Support Learning (Slideshow and Transcript)
Resource Type
Tool
Planning Chart Activity: Incorporating More Concrete Connections to Abstract Concepts
Organize Your Teaching > Abstract & Concrete > Overview & Tools
This tool provides a format for brainstorming activities that use understandable representations to teach difficult concepts.
Resource Type
Tool
