Concrete examples are a cognitive science principle which emphasises that teachers should use real-life examples to explain complex concepts. This helps students to better understand and remember abstract information, as the concrete examples provide them with a tangible reference point. By using concrete examples, teachers can ensure that students are actively engaging with the material, as the examples provide context and help to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and real-world understanding.

1. Use Visuals: You can embed the cognitive science principle of ‘concrete examples’ into your A-level students’ lessons by using visuals such as diagrams and flowcharts. Visuals help to provide a concrete example of the content being taught, making the material more memorable and easier to understand. Students who had visual diagrams to accompany a lecture on photosynthesis performed significantly better on a post-test than those who only had a verbal lecture.

2. Use Examples: You can embed the cognitive science principle of ‘concrete examples’ into your A-level students’ lessons by providing examples of the material being taught. When students are able to connect the material to an example that they can relate to, it helps them to better understand and remember the material. Students who had examples to accompany the material being taught demonstrated better recall and understanding than those who simply had the facts presented to them.

3. Use Stories: You can embed the cognitive science principle of ‘concrete examples’ into your A-level students’ lessons by incorporating stories into the material being taught. Stories provide a concrete example of the concepts being taught, and help to make the material more memorable. Students who had stories to accompany the material being taught performed significantly better on a post-test than those who only had written material.

4. Use Analogies: You can embed the cognitive science principle of ‘concrete examples’ into your A-level students’ lessons by using analogies. Analogies help to create a concrete example of the material being taught, and make it easier to understand. Students who had analogies to accompany the material being taught showed better recall and understanding than those who only had written material.

5. Use Simulations: You can embed the cognitive science principle of ‘concrete examples’ into your A-level students’ lessons by incorporating simulations into the material being taught. Simulations provide a concrete example of the concepts being taught, and help to make the material more memorable. Students who had simulations to accompany the material being taught performed significantly better on a post-test than those who only had written material.