Lynn Erikson is an expert in concept-based curriculum and instruction. She has written books and presentations on the topic. A concept-based curriculum focuses on essential conceptual understandings rather than just facts. It aims to foster deeper understanding and increased retention by helping students see patterns and connections in knowledge. Concepts are organizing ideas that are timeless, universal, and abstract. Effective concept-based units center on focus concepts and promote integrated thinking within and across disciplines.

1. CONCEPT-BASED
CURRICULUM AND
INSTRUCTION
H. Lynn Erikson

2. Lynn Erikson
• Independent consultant assisting schools and
districts with curriculum design.
• Elementary principal.
• Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction, and Advanced
School Administration .
• Curriculum coordinator.
• Reading specialist.
• Teacher for 1st, 2nd 4th, and 5th grades.
• Elementary Education, 1968.
Author of:
• «Stiring the head, Heart and soul. Redefining Curriculum and instruction».
• Concept-based Curriculum and Instruction for the Thinking Classroom.
• Concept-based Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Beyond the Facts
• And several presentations

3. A three-dimensional curriculum
design

4. Goal
 Integrating thinking- seeing the patterns and
connections of knowledge at a conceptual and
transferable level of understanding”.
So…
 Greater retention of information.
 Deeper levels of understanding.
 Increased motivation.

5. Structure of knowledge

6. Knowing vs understanding
 KNOW = Factual Knowledge which is locked
in time, place or situation.
 UNDERSTAND = Conceptual Understanding
which transfers through time, across cultures,
and across situations.

7. Concepts
 A concept is an organizing idea; a mental
construct...
 Timeless
 Universal
 Abstract (to different degrees)
 Represented by 1 or 2 words
 Share common attributes

8. Examples of Subject Area
Concepts
Science Social Literature Mathematics Music Visual arts
studies
Order Change/ Motivation Number Rhythm Line
continuity
Organism Culture Perceptions Proportion Melody Color
Population Civilization Change Probability Tone Texture
Change Migration/ Conflict/ Pattern Pattern Form
immigration cooperation

9. Conceptual ideas:
• Essential understandings.
• Generalizations, principles.
• Enduring understandings.
• Big ideas.

10. Concept-based units
 Focus: conceptual ideas.
 Integration of concepts Integrated
thinking within
and across
disciplines.
 Understanding bigger conceptual ideas.
 Critical content: disciplinary concepts and
conceptual ideas.
 Teacher training.

11. Conceptual lens
 Focus concept.
 Integration of thinking.
 Higher cognitive level.
 Challenge students to see beyond
the facts.
 Systems approach.
 Idea-centered curriculum.

12. «Assigning a verb to a topic
does not ensure that teachers
will lead students beyond the
facts to the essential conceptual
understandings».

13. References:
Erikson, L. (2002). Concept-based Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Beyond the Facts.
Corwin Press.
Erikson, L. (2007). Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction for the Thinking Classroom.
Corwin Press. San Francisco, CA.
Erikson, L. (2007). Concept-based Curriculum & Instruction For the Thinking Classroom.
Presentation: Summer Institute on Academic Diversity. University of Virginia, Curry School of
Education. July 12.
Erikson, L. (2008). Stiring the head, Heart and soul. Redefining Curriculum and instruction.
Corwin Press.
Fayad, C. CONCEPT-BASED UNIT DESIGN According to Dr. Lynn Erickson. From:
http://www.slideserve.com/andrew/concept-based-unit-design-according-to-dr-lynn-erickson
Images:
http://carrotsareorange.com/7-tips-motivate-children-summer/
http://www.lynnerickson.net/
http://www.corwin.com/authors/503028
http://www.clker.com/clipart-magnify-lens.html
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/11/1115_in_short/source/3.htm