Basic conceptual systems (BCSs) – tools for analytic coding, thinking and learning: A concept teaching curriculum in Norway

The role of basic conceptual systems (for example, colour, shape, size, position, direction, number, pattern, etc.) as psychological tools for analytic coding, thinking, learning is emphasised, and a proposal for a teaching order of BCSs in kindergarten and primary school is introduced. The first part of this article explains briefly main aspects of the theory behind and the approach of systematic concept teaching (CT), including a description of a model for concept teaching and examples of analytic coding. This part forms the rationale for the second part of the article which focuses on a curriculum for the teaching of BCSs and related concepts in kindergarten and primary school, developed as part of a project on concept teaching in the municipality of Balsfjord, Norway. The main outline of the curriculum is presented and commented upon. Finally this article provides some data regarding evaluation of this project to date.