Semantic Mapping: Classroom Applications (Reading AIDS Series) - Softcover

Heimlich, Joan E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0872072304 ISBN 13: 9780872072305

Publisher: Intl Literacy Assn, 1986

Synopsis

Semantic mapping, a categorical structuring of information in graphic form, has been used successfully in many classrooms. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to this instructional strategy and presents the theory that underlies the proven effectiveness of the semantic mapping procedure. Numerous examples of completed maps are included.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From the Introduction

Semantic mapping, a categorical structuring of information in graphic form, has been used successfully in a variety of classroom applications. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to this semantic based instructional strategy and presents the theoretical rationale for the effectiveness of the semantic mapping procedure as well as a review of studies. Also included are ten classroom applications of the semantic mapping procedure in a variety of content areas.

Improving reading comprehension is a top priority as well as an area of concern for the majority of teachers today. In recent years, however, research on cognition, language acquisition, and information processing has contributed to a better understanding of the comprehension process. Much has been learned about how readers comprehend and how teachers can help improve comprehension. in light of this research, comprehension can be viewed as an active process in which readers interpret what they read in accordance with what is already known about the topic, thus building bridges between the new and the known (Pearson & Johnson, 1978).

Viewing the reading process as a mental dialogue between the writer and the reader is an outgrowth of the impact of schema theory on the research in reading comprehension. Schema theory attempts to explain how information from the text becomes integrated with the reader's prior knowledge, thus influencing the comprehension process. According to schema theorists, that which is experienced and learned is stored in the brain in networks or categories called schemata. These schemata are incomplete and are constantly being further developed. As new information is received, the schemata are restructured and fine tuned (Pearson & Spiro, 1982). For example, as a person reads about, sees pictures of, or visits a zoo, each experience adds to the schema for zoo. Each piece of new information expands and refines the existing schema.

Edition details

• Publisher: Intl Literacy Assn
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0872072304
• ISBN 13: 9780872072305
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48