Conceptual learning, also known as concept learning, is a method of learning and a type of critical thinking in which people learn to categorize and organize data using mental logic-based structures. Because individuals first identify key attributes that would cause certain subjects to fall into the same category or concept, this process necessitates both knowledge construction and acquisition. Knowledge acquisition is a learning process in which a student acquires knowledge from an acknowledged expert, whereas knowledge construction is a constructive learning process in which individuals use what is familiar or what they have experienced to understand another subject matter. Although conceptual teaching is becoming more popular, particularly in math and clinical subjects, many educators find it difficult to apply the method to explain more complex concepts.
This method of learning is frequently compared to procedural learning, which is the most common and widely used method of instruction. Procedural learning necessitates the memorization of procedures but not the comprehension of concepts. Conceptual learning does not require memorization and instead focuses on comprehending the concepts or structures that underpin various operations or procedures.
Proponents of procedural learning believe that students’ memorization of operations will lead to conceptual learning in the long run, but this is not always the case. This type of learning has been shown in studies to lead to procedural learning, but the opposite does not produce the same results. Due to a lack of understanding of the concepts behind the subject matter, students who learn procedural skills first struggle to apply their knowledge in new or unfamiliar situations.
Observing how conceptual learning and teaching are applied in a real-life situation can help you understand them better. Conceptual teaching is encouraged in nursing education because it is thought to help students understand more about the various relationships that make up any emergency or workplace situation they encounter. Nursing students can react more effectively and efficiently in almost any situation thanks to conceptual learning.
Conceptual learning is, in general, heavily reliant on conceptual teaching. Educators must learn to take into account different learning styles and ensure that their students have a thorough understanding of the subject matter in order for this type of learning process to work. Educators must also learn how to use various teaching styles to ensure that all concepts are thoroughly explained.