Cognitive+Content+Dictionary

Cognitive Content Dictionary

The cognitive content dictionary helps students in the following areas:  Materials: Chart paper marked off with 4 columns with headings: word, prediction, real meaning and oral sentence.
 * to build predicting strategies and work attack skills
 * to focus on key vocabulary
 * to provide multiple opportunities for students to hear the word throughout the entire lesson
 * to have a word be the signal for student interaction 10/2 or classroom transitions
 * 1) Teacher selects a word from key vocabulary and writes it in word section.
 * 2) Using the new word as a signal word, teacher directs students to turn to partner/team and predict the meaning of the word.
 * 3) Teacher solicits/records predictions on the chart. The respondents are asked how they came up with the prediction. This metacognitve information provides the teacher with an assessment of student learning strategies.
 * 4) The word is used during the entire day/class period as a signal word for ‘heads together’. While teaching the lesson, teacher uses the word in context multiple times and uses the same dramatic movements to act out the word.
 * 5) The next day the teacher asks if anyone found the real meaning. Correct meaning is written on chart; sketch or picture added.
 * 6) New focus word selected and steps 1-5 repeated. By the third day you can obtain a list of words from the students and let them select the word.