Concept Definition Map

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Content area vocabulary is a key component to children’s success in the subject. Developing content area vocabulary in their students is sometimes a challenge for teachers. There are many strategies to help teachers build and strengthen vocabulary in their classroom. One strategy is a type of graphic organizer called a concept definition map. “The use of graphic organizers to organize information sometimes gets a bad rap. However, using these tools involves much more than just putting information into little boxes” (Concept/Definition Maps to Comprehend Curriculum Content, 2011). A concept definition map is a graphic organizer some teachers use in their classroom to develop vocabulary. A concept definition map is an excellent way to develop vocabulary in content areas, by expanding definitions of concepts into schema that connects to previous information learned.
What is a concept definition map?
The book used in class, 35 Strategies for Developing Content Area Vocabulary, defines a concept definition map as a “graphic organizer that shows the relationship between a concept’s definition and other information about it” (Spencer & Guillaume, 2009, p. 9). An article defined a concept definition map as a “graphic organizer that helps students to enrich their understanding of a word or concept and develop new vocabulary” (Concept Definition Map).
A concept definition map is a type of graphic organizer; more specifically, it is a concept map. As a type of graphic organizer, it visually represents the information students need to learn. Since a concept definition map is specifically a concept map, it visually shows the relationships between concepts and sub-concepts of a main topic or idea. What makes a concept definition map special c...

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Chan, C (2009). Assessment: concept map, Assessment Resources@HKU, University of Hong Kong. Retrieved from: http://ar.cetl.hku.hk/am_cm.htm#4
Concept definition map. International Center for Leadership in Education. PDF file. Retrieved from: http://www.hammond.k12.in.us/icle_reading/5%20CTE%20Reading%20Strategies/4%20CTE%20Reading%20Concept%20Definintion%20Map.pdf
Example of concept definition map. Scholastic RED Teacher Resource. p. 1. Retrieved from: http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/tr_AllConcept.pdf
Spencer, B. H., & Guillaume, A. M. (2009). Concept of definition map. 35 strategies for developing content area vocabulary (p. 9-13). Boston: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson.
Using a concept definition map. Scholastic Red Teacher Resource. PDF file. Retrieved from: http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/concept.pdf

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