Semantic Feature Analysis
Semantic Feature Analysis is a way to build conceptual knowledge while focusing on the relationships between terms (Miller & Veatch, 2012). Semantic Features, or differences, can be noted among the meanings of words, concepts, events and processes. The semantic feature analysis strategy uses a grid to help students explore relationships. By completing and analyzing the grid, students not only should see connections, but also make predictions and have more comprehension of the subject. Semantic Feature Analysis can be used before, during or after reading. It can be used individually, in small groups or as a whole class (http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/semantic_feature_analysis)
How to use Semantic Feature Analysis:
- Select a category or topic for Semantic Feature Analysis
- Provide students with key vocabulary words and features of these concepts that can be used for comparison.
- Create a chart listing the vocabulary words down the left-hand side and features across the top row of the chart.
- As each feature is considered, students need to decide whether the vocabulary word aligns with that feature (+) of does not align with that feature (-).
- Use the chart to explore topics and concepts further.
An example of Semantic Feature Analysis:
Common Core Standards met using Semantic Feature Analysis (http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RST/6-8/#CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.1):
- Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
- Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics.
- Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).
- Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.