For my assignment, I used the vocabulary bookmark technique (McLaughlin, 2015). My bookmarks are below.
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Vocabulary Bookmark
A concept I think is
important is:
Cone
I think it means:
A
light sensitive cell cell in your eye that helps you see colors
Paragraph 8
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Vocabulary Bookmark
A concept I think is
important is:
Stem
Cell
I think it means:
A
cell that can grow into multiple different types of cells/tissue
Paragraph 7
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Vocabulary Bookmark
A concept I think is
important is:
Gene
I think it means:
DNA
instructions that code for a certain physical attribute
Paragraph 1
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For this strategy, the students choose a word or concept that they think is important, come up with a definition, and cite where they found it. They then write this on a small piece of paper or "bookmark." I think that there are several great things about this strategy. I like that it pushes the students to find words that are important rather than providing a vocabulary list to students. In addition, it has students come up with their own definition which must be concise to fit on the bookmark. It also provides a great starter for discussion. After the students write their bookmarks, I would have them discuss in small groups why they felt this word/concept was important and work with their classmates to add to or improve their definition.
On the other hand, I think that there are a few things that this strategy lacks. I would want students to think about practical uses of these concepts and where they might see them in the real world. I would also want students to expand more on the definition and examples of their concepts. However, I think that these items can be included in the lesson with discussions or other supplemental materials. The nice thing about this strategy is that, even though it is missing some of these details, it would be a quick and easy assignment to give students to get them thinking before an in-class discussion. It does not take a whole lot of time, so it would not add a ton to their workload, but it is still a valuable activity. I would want to prepare them the class before if this was given as homework and let them know that they will need to explain why they chose their concept and expand on their definition in these ways.
Overall, I would definitely use this strategy in my own class with some other activities to supplement the ideas that this strategy is missing.
Jennie, I also used the vocabulary bookmarks and I think you make a good point that they are lacking a more in depth look at the word but I also think that they are meant to be used as a quick look and then examined closer during a class discussion. I really like the idea of using them with something like the teacher in the video did. If we ask students to fill out bookmarks we can cover so much more vocabulary and as you point out it puts the power in the students hands. would you consider giving them as a homework assignment so that the discussion and extension could take place the next class?
ReplyDeleteJennie, these vocabulary bookmarks are really nice because they are a pretty simple task for vocabulary development. I also like how you would ask your class to work individually and then collaboratively in order to define the words that they think are important. It is so important to encourage students to make choices about what vocabulary is important, unknown, or interesting to them. The real world connection is something that is so very important for students to make. Both your strategy and mine did not include a real world connection and I agree that other strategies are better for doing this.
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