Review
"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
"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
"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
"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 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
"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." -- Dr. Vincent Chan, principal
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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 Stern´s 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
"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
About the Author
Julie Stern is the best-selling author of Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Elementary and Secondary, Visible Learning for Social Studies, and Learning That Transfers. She is the thought leader behind the global workshop series Making Sense of Learning Transfer, and is a certified trainer in Visible Learning Plus. Her passion is synthesizing the best of education research into practical tools that support educators in breaking free of the industrial model of schooling and moving toward teaching and learning that promotes sustainability, equity, and well-being. She is a James Madison Constitutional Fellow and taught social studies for many years in Washington, DC and her native Louisiana. Julie moves internationally every few years with her husband, a US diplomat, and her two young sons. Her website is www.edtosavetheworld.com.
Krista Ferraro is a history teacher and department head at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts. Her passions include civic education, social justice, and preparing students for effective global citizenship. Previously, she served as Deputy Director of Public Policy and Curriculum Innovation at Chavez Schools in Washington, DC, where she also taught history and public policy courses. Her published works include the bestselling Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Elementary and Secondary. Krista holds bachelor′s degrees in American Studies and Spanish from Cornell University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. She is also an alumna of Teach for America.
