GO--+Concept-Definition+Map

Type
PRESENT

Description
A **graphic organizer** lists the constituent elements of a topic, generally as words or phrases within closed shapes, and then shows connections among those elements and between those elements and the topic, generally as lines drawn between the shapes. In this case, a word or phrase occupies an oval shape in the center of a rectangle that has been divided into four equal areas that are labeled //Sketch, My Words, Roots,// and //Definition//.

Purpose
In general, to illustrate the components of an idea, behavior, or object. Also, to examine the relationships between those components. In this case, to develop an understanding of the words and phrases specific to the study of geometry.

Range
Grade 3+

Fruitility
**Concept mapping** focuses student thinking on the //connective tissue// that binds factual details and procedures together to form larger, more complex ideas and processes. Understanding the relationships among an idea's facets helps to develop a more detailed picture of the concept being studied, and that more detailed picture will carry more meaning and survive longer in a student's memory. Associating four types of meaning with a new geometry term provides students with an understanding that is rooted more securely in their minds than it would be simply by looking up a dictionary definition.

Features
Making a glossary that includes visual examples (//Sketch//) and personally motivated, naive explanations (//My Words//) along with more typical, linguistic references provides students with a lot of //cognitive hands-on// time with new, often cumbersome, technical words and phrases. Especially useful is the opportunity to create one's own description of a new object or relationship, preferably before, but even after learning the technical phrase for it. The aim is for students to have some personal sense of ownership of the idea's meaning beyond or beside the standard meaning. This //quadriglossary// brings multidimensional construction techniques and personal meaning-making into the business of vocabulary comprehension.