Generate-Sort-Connect-Elaborate: Concept Maps 

A routine for organizing one's understanding of a topic through concept mapping.
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Description:This thinking routine helps students create a concept map that activates knowledge of a topic and connects those ideas together.  The concept map will help to organize information in a specific way, i.e. most important to least important or chronological order. 

How to Use the Strategy:

Refer to pages 125-131 in the book Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners.

Access online instructions here at Harvard Project Zero.

See the routine in practice here at Harvard Project Zero.

Notes:
  •  Large topics are usually used for this routine like the Industrial Revolution, Habitats, or Geometry.  These topics have many parts and components so a variety of responses and a diverse list of concepts/details can be generated.  The ideas are then organized onto a concept map.  
  •  This activity can be done at the start of a unit to find out previous knowledge or at the end to review a topic.


Content Application:
Use GSCE as a pre and post test evaluative tool.
Resources 
Download these resources to use in your classroom. 
GSCE Poster.pdf
File Size: 124 kb
File Type: pdf
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GSCE Template.pdf
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File