Module 2 Strategy Application Blog

 My Geometry class uses the Glencoe Geometry textbook as a source for its content. I will discuss how we can use a Word Knowledge chart to break down and better understand the circles unit, one of the more difficult units in the class. I will start by providing the class with the following chart to fill out prior to them reading the textbook.

Word

Knowledge rating

Definition

Example

High

Familiar

Brand new

Radius







Diameter







Chord







Tangent







Central Angles







Inscribed Angles







Arc Measure







Arc Length







Circumference







Area







Equation of a Circle








This chart will provide me and my students with a basis for what is new to them and what they have seen before. Students will go through each term and mark how knowledgeable they are for each term, then write a brief definition and draw an example of what each term looks like for a circle. Most students are familiar with basic terms such as radius, diameter, circumference, and area. While they are familiar with these terms, many struggle to properly define them. Students often give formulas for things like circumference and area instead of defining what they mean, and not just how to find them. After filling out the chart to the best of their abilities, students will read the chapter in the textbook and look for the words in the chart as they read. When students are done reading, they will review the charts they initially filled out and make any corrections needed to their definitions and example pictures. We then discuss each term as a class to ensure everyone understands it and answer any questions they may have.


Glencoe Geometry Textbook Circles Unit


This is a great technique to use for this lesson due to the large number of vocabulary words that students need to know to be successful. The word knowledge chart places all of these words in an easy-to-follow format that students can reference and know which words they need to spend more time getting familiar with. Students need to know what each term means and how it appears in problems. While the THIEVES strategy could be applied to this lesson, the structure of the textbook could make it difficult to follow. The headings throughout the chapter do provide useful information, however, the key focus is on the visuals and vocabulary, which better suits a word knowledge chart. I feel that this strategy can help students build better connections between the terms used to describe different situations they will encounter throughout the unit and how they can be used to solve these problems. When students are able to look at a problem and use the correct vocabulary to describe the situation, this helps them build a deeper connection to the concepts we are covering. Students need to know that diameters go through the center of the circle and cut it in half. In turn, this means that the central angle would be equal to 180 degrees. This is a great strategy that can be used to cover new terms as well as review vocabulary from previous units and assess student growth. All of the vocabulary is connected to one another and is necessary to fully understand the unit.


Comments

  1. Mark FearerMay 30, 2025 at 7:04 AM

    Jonathan, the chart you referenced reminds me of the chart I discovered when comparing an online 6th grade science text against the T.H.I.E.V.E.S. methodology. Yes, I believe it to be a good Summary for students.

    Learning Assessment
    These assessment rubrics are intended to help track student progress throughout the year. Please
    remember that these skills continue to develop over time. Parents and teachers can use this space to
    make notes about the learning the student demonstrates or any skills that might need work.
    SKILLS
    Displays focused observation skills
    Demonstrates knowledge of the
    scientific method
    Shows understanding of controlled
    experiments and variables
    Forms a hypothesis based on
    previous knowledge
    Explains the steps of the scientific
    method
    Reflects on experiment process and
    ways to gain more accurate results
    Developing
    Consistent
    Competent
    Notes

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