SEMANTIC MAPPING

This activity provides the teacher with a quick assessment of the students' background knowledge. It is also an excellent framework for introducing new vocabulary and concepts. From the students'point of view, the activity helps them to recall their prior knowledge and encourages them to share that with other students. Students are given a word, a phrase, or a concept. They are asked to think silently for a minute or two, jotting down any ideas or thoughts that come to mind. The activity is then opened to the class, and the students are asked to "brainstorm" their thoughts with fellow students. A map or web of ideas is developed which may be sequenced, prioritized or grouped. A summary activity would require the students to add new information to the map to create a written paragraph.

Sample Semantic Map