Hierarchy Conceptual Diagram
(Shoval et.al., 2004)
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Purpose
Purpose
A Hierarchy Conceptual Diagram can be used to show relationships among concepts. This tool can be used to help students organize and structure information from most important to least important, starting with the main topic.
Rationale
Rationale
It is important for students to make connections between previously learned content and new information. This deepens their understanding and helps them build on their background knowledge.
Steps of the Strategy
Steps of the Strategy
Make a list of important topics.
Choose the most important concept (i.e., the topic that the other information stems from).
Draw arrows extending downward to the left and right.
From the major points, add supporting details using the lines and arrows.
As you start a new level on your hierarchy diagram, use different shapes (i.e., square, circle, rectangle, triangle), colors (i.e., red, blue, green, yellow), and symbols (i.e., arrows) to connect information and demonstrate relationships.
Generalization Plan
Generalization Plan
Students can create Hierarchy Conceptual Diagrams on paper or use an application called Cmap Tools. This online tool can be used across content areas. For example, if a student was learning about non-fiction texts and wanted to understand the concept of reptiles, the student may have the term, “reptiles” as the main topic and then include words and short phrases such as vertebrate, crawls on its legs or belly, lacks hair and feathers, snakes, and turtles.
Example (What Constitutes a Person)
Example (What Constitutes a Person)
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