FOLD OVER DIAGRAM

Fold Over DiagramFold Over Diagram (.pdf)

"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."
Epictetus

OVERVIEW

The Fold Over Diagram is an excellent activity that prompts students to test their own prior knowledge. Students are asked to come up with a working definition of an important term or concept, then compare it to the textbook definition, and finally draw conclusions about the differences that may be present in the two definitions.

IMPLEMENTING THIS ACTIVITY
  1. Create a cohesive list of terms and/or concepts. Insert these onto the template under the term section.
  2. Compile the textbook definitions for each term/concept and insert these onto the template under the textbook definition section.
  3. Make photocopies of the partially completed template for all your students.
  4. Distribute the graphic organizer to the students.
  5. Explain the directions and expectations to the students. Be clear that the textbook definitions are to be covered by the comment section of the template while they are generating working definitions.
  6. After students have fully completed the template, base a class discussion of students’ comments about the similarities/differences between both definitions.

ASSESSING THIS ACTIVITY

As with most prior knowledge activities, student responses are not assessed for a grade. However, you can assess the class’ level of prior knowledge and adjust your instruction accordingly. During the discussion, you have the opportunity to assess students’ participation.

MANAGING THIS ACTIVITY

Allow students enough time to brainstorm and generate good working definitions as well as produce meaningful observations about the definitions similarities and differences.

CONTENT AREA APPLICATIONS

English – Use this graphic organizer alongside to assess student knowledge of terms relating to poetry and poetic devices before beginning a poetry unit.

History – Use this graphic organizer to assess student knowledge of the role specific people played in the Civil War.

Science – Use this graphic organizer to assess student knowledge of the types of rocks before beginning a unit on rocks and minerals.