Concept Circles: A Graphic Organizer That Fosters Deeper Understanding of Critical Vocabulary and Concepts

Abstract

The quantity and complexity of content in upper elementary, middle, and high school classrooms continues to challenge English learners. Inherent in each content area is vocabulary critical to understanding key concepts. English learners can become overwhelmed by the sheer number and complexity of vocabulary in required courses. Teachers can utilize graphic organizers to assist students in learning vocabulary and content concepts. One graphic organizer will be discussed in this entry that fosters deeper understanding of critical content vocabulary and important concepts. Future directions regarding research efforts and applications of Concept Circles and other graphic organizers with English learners are offered.

Applied Cognitive Linguistics and design of L2 figurative language material

“…Fourth, L2 learners tend to connect images to figurative language (Gibbs, 1994). Thus, visual and graphic tools will result in organization and clarity, trigger prior knowledge and provide opportunities for interaction with key content at a more complex level (Mallette, 2020).…”