How to become a Conceptual Learner

Can we see an object in a completely dark room after some time? Where does the mass of a large tree weighing several tonnes come from...given that it started off as a seed that weighed just a few grams? Such questions can puzzle even the best among us. This is because developing conceptual understanding requires ‘connecting the dots’ between different things we learn that are seemingly unrelated. We are naturally curious to engage with such questions, but there seems to be no value to such questions when one is focused on 'doing well in exams'.

This is a dangerous situation. If one gets used to cracking tests and exams based on memorization and ‘figuring out patterns’, one has a much harder time unlearning and relearning when work and life situations require deeper understanding. So why not make conceptual learning a goal in itself? Even though it can be challenging, it is fun and enjoyable, and developing a taste for conceptual understanding is good preparation for life. If one wants to be an excellent researcher or practitioner in any discipline, this is possible only if one is constantly striving to improve one’s understanding of concepts already learnt and relate new concepts to concepts one already understands. 

Read more about the What, Why and How of conceptual understanding at https://www.genwise.in/single-post/2020/07/31/conceptual-learning-what-why-and-how.  If you are a student in grade 7 or higher or an adult, you can also take a short test of conceptual understanding from the links in the blog post.

In this session, students will learn how they can work towards becoming conceptual learners who think from first principles, ask deep questions. make connections and spot inconsistencies. Examples from real life and the formal school curriculum will be used during the session. Students will also be introduced to powerful internet resources and tools they can use to deepen their understanding of important concepts. 

A short guide titled "5 ways to really understand what you are learning" will be shared with all participants at the end of the session. Students can keep this on hand to support their learning journey.

Facilitator Profile:

Vishnu Agnihotri is a co-founder of GenWise, a leader in programs for gifted students. At GenWise, he has been the academic director for several gifted programs, working with instructors to create courses that challenge students and help them to learn concepts more deeply. Prior to GenWise, Vishnu was Vice President- Assessments, at Educational Initiatives (Ei), and led the development of offerings such as ASSET, Mindspark Science and Detailed Assessment that have been recognized internationally for fostering conceptual learning.

Vishnu has a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras with over 30 years of national and international experience- more than half of which is in the field of school education.