6 structures that help classify information

The following 6 categories break down content into distinct groups.  These groups of information will be helpful in deciding which instructional strategy will be most appropriate.

Facts: Names, symbols, labels, places, dates, definitions, etc.  Facts are often easily memorized and are necessary for more complex information. 

Concepts: Grouping similar ideas.  Fruit is a concept and includes apples, bananas, etc. 

Principles and Rules: Describes a relationship between two concepts.  For example, supply and demand.  The law of supply is a concept and the law of demand is also a concept. 

Procedures: Ordered steps that show a learner how to complete a task.  A recipe is a procedure.

Interpersonal Skills: Verbal and non-verbal skills for interacting with people.  Learning how to use appropriate body language on an interview would be an example. 

Attitudes:  A predisposition to behavior.  Teaching appropriate responsibility and proper behavior falls into this category. 

Resources

Morrison, G., Ross, S., Kalman, H., & Kemp, J. (2011). Designing Effective Instruction.  Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.