Context Definitions Helping students extract meaning from text

Context Definitions Helping students extract meaning from text and visual sources Jenny Chandler, Carson High School

Deciding What to Use Key Terms Deep Concepts • Unit specific • Less complex • Singular meaning in context • Foundational • Repetitive • Essential to unlocking key ideas throughout the course • Complex, multi-facted

Selecting Sources • • • Quotes Paragraphs Extended passages Multiple perspectives Complex visuals

Dictionary Definition • Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. Nevada is the 7 th most extensive, the 35 th most populous, and the 9 th least densely populated of the 50 United States.

Step 1: Instructions • Scan the information • As a group identify each word, phrase or visual element that describes NEVADA • Continue until you have filled all boxes

Step 2: Categorization • Sort all words into at least four categories – maximum of _____ • All group members must agree upon categories • Category names may be adjusted as words are added • Goal is to design the best categories possible

Step 3: Designing a Definition • Work as a group to design a complex definition • Begin with a draft • Rework the definition to include all category words and any other essential supporting terms • Write final agreed upon complex definition. All members have same definition.

Step 4: Compare and Share • Regroup and share definitions • Make note of any details you may want to add to your definition

Step 5: Dictionary Definition • Record dictionary definition • Compare to complex definition • Discuss strengths and weaknesses of each

Step 6: Final Definition • Individually compose a final complex definition • Share with class

Step 7 – Reflection on Learning • Complete remainder of handout as a selfreflection

Context Definitions Helping students extract meaning from text and visual sources

More Context Definition Exercises • Teachers pay teachers • Seller: Cutting. Edge. Classroom