Conceptual approaches to teaching

Abstract The nature of concepts and conceptual understanding is discussed in relation to approaches to teaching which enhance conceptual understanding. The role of qualitative relationships, mental models, discussion, team work and the use of different kinds of representations are all considered with reference to their use in scientific reasoning and, by extension, learning to reason in science. Participants in the workshop were given the opportunity to put these ideas into practice by, first, explaining or discussing difficult concepts. Approaches applicable to both higher and secondary education were examined through the use of appropriate examples.