Semantic Feature Analysis
Purpose: To
help students understand critical vocabulary and key concepts in a reading
selection or unit of study
Description: Students draw upon
their background knowledge to generate relationships between ideas and topics
within a category. The key features of these words are displayed on a grid that
visually organizes and clearly presents important relationships.
Procedure:
- Select a category or topic for the semantic feature analysis.
- Down the left side of the chart, list four to five words that name
objects or words related to the category. These words should be familiar
to students.
- In the row across the top of the chart, list traits and properties
shared by some of the words that are listed in the first column on the
left side of the chart.
- Moving through the chart, determine which objects/words possess each of
the traits and properties listed across the top of the chart. Use a plus
sign (+) to indicate that the object/word usually possesses this feature.
Use a negative sign (-) to indicate that it does not. A question mark (?)
can be entered when students do not know or are unsure.
- When the chart is completely filled in, examine and discuss patterns.
Support students in forming generalizations about the objects/words in the
category as well as focusing on what make each object/word unique.
Lipton, L., & Wellman, B. (1998). Patterns and practices
in the learning-focused classroom. Guilford, Vermont: Pathways Publishing.
Sample
Semantic Feature Analysis for Computer Applications
Semantic
Feature Analysis Activity Sheet
from Instructional Strategies for
Engaging Learners
Guilford County Schools TF, 2002
Return to Cognitive
Strategies