The Concept Approach in Health Education*

From the School Health Education Study to the National Health Education Standards: Concepts Endure

“…Knowledge of concepts used for educational purposes dates back to the turn of the 20th century . Educational reform in that time prompted educators to emphasize curricula that focused on problem solving and individual development as opposed to teacher‐centered instruction .…”

“…Interest intensified in conceptual education during the late 1950s. Johns described conceptual application as providing a relatively stable system of interrelated knowledge. “ It can be sorted out and grouped .…”

“…As a result it can be recalled and used because it is systematized . Concepts also provide a framework and guideposts for thinking .” (p197) In other words, concepts are the “big ideas” that connect application of learning to behaviors in day‐to‐day life. When a health teacher is instructing about how communication skills are useful for dealing with peer pressure to engage in substance use, illustrations may be provided that demonstrate the effectiveness of refusals.…”