Comprehension Strategies
Semantic Feature AnalysisDescription: The Semantic Feature Analysis strategy enhances student comprehension and vocabulary skills. It uses a matrix to help students explore how selected vocabulary is related to key features of a selected text. By completing and analyzing the matrix, students are able to make connections and predictions along with mastering concepts throughout the reading.
Purpose: The purpose of this Semantic-Feature Analysis strategy is to have student grain information about word and text meaning through activating students’ prior knowledge and participating in discussions. Procedure: 1. Select a topic for the student to work with. 2. The teacher provides students with key vocabulary words and important features of the text. 3. Student would receive a matrix where the key vocabulary work would be listed down the left hand column and the important features across the row on top. 4. Student should read the assigned text. 5. Have students place a "+" sign in the matrix when a vocabulary word aligns with one of the important features of the text. Have students may put a "–" in the matrix if a vocabulary word doesn't align. 6. After reading and completing the matrix, the teacher has students analyze their matrix through either sharing/discussing their finding with a partner or class or writing a summary of what they learned. Classroom Integration: • To compare genres of books across story characteristic • To help students compare different characters in a book • To teach students facts about specific topic in expository text • Can be used as a study guide Variation: Work to compare items that have few similarities to make analysis easier and then move to items that have more subtle differences. Adjust the number of categories for comparison based on learner ability. ("Semantic Feature Analysis," 2007) ("Semantic Feature Analysis," 2001 Semantic Feature Analysis ResourcesReading Strategies: Semantic Feature Analysis
• This source provides information about the Semantic Feature Analysis strategy in regards to what it is, how it is used, and what it generally is formatted like, including free downloadable templates that could be used (Jones, 2012) Semantic Feature Analysis • This site provides a detailed description of the strategy, the procedure of how to integrate it into the classroom, differentiated instructional ideas, and examples of the strategy being integrated in multiple subject areas ("Semantic Feature Analysis," 2001). How Writing Ties into the StrategyStandard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2.a
• Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. How Writing is Tied into the Strategy: The Semantic Feature Analysis strategy is a process where students analyze the selected text they have been assigned to read. This strategy ties in writing as it manipulates the use of graphic organizers. Students use the graphic organizers to explore selected vocabulary and key features of the text in order to make proper predictions and connections of the material. The graphic organizers are used to help students organize their ideas in an ideal manner that helps assist them in comprehending the text. (Common Core State Standards, 2010, p. 42) |
Semantic Feature Analysis Videos (Mitchell, 2012)
Video: This video guides the viewer though the steps of the semantic feature analysis strategy to be used as a tool to create a classroom lesson. Instruction: This video provides an example of a comparison grid for teachers who would like to use of Semantic Feature Analysis in their classroom. It provides an actual working example of how it has been used with students in a classroom setting and can be adapted for reading and other curricular areas. Student Engagement: This video helps students understand the process for using the of Semantic Feature Analysis process. It provides numerous ideas for integration in the classroom. Assessment: The teacher could assess student knowledge and understanding after presenting the video by asking students how this strategy could be used by teachers in the classroom. (Oxnerr, 2014)
Video: This video demonstrates the steps needed in creating a Semantic Feature Analysis. The example compares different apartments according to their characteristics to help identify commonalities and differences. Instruction: This video provides a resource for teachers who would like to see a demonstration of the Semantic Feature Analysis process. After seeing this video, a student would be able to incorporate this strategy to make comparisons with many curricular topics. Student Engagement: This video helps students understand the process for using the of Semantic Feature Analysis process so that they can be motivated to use a similar strategy with students. Assessment: The teacher could assess student knowledge and understanding after presenting the video. The assessment could include questions regarding the benefits of using this strategy to teach comprehension. |