Comprehension Strategies

PLAN (Predict, Locate, Add, Note)

• Description: Guides students in using concept mapping to identify information known that is new from the text.
  
• Purpose: Concept maps help students comprehend text in science classrooms.
  
• Procedure:
  1) Select appropriate text for content area
  2) Predict- Students use text clues (title, graphics) to predict content and structure of text. Students use a concept map to visually link the content. Label concept map with headings
  3) Locate- Students place a check next to headings that they have some knowledge of on the concept map. Students place a question mark next to headings they have little knowledge about.
  4) Add- While reading: Students add words and phrases to the concept map to explain unknown and confirm known.
  5) Note- After reading: Students revise the map, engage in discussion, or do extension activity
  
• Variation: It can be applied to multiple subject areas and be a supportive strategy when learning new content
• (Miller & Veatch, 2012, p. 96 & 97)
  

Resources for PLAN

• http://www.readingeducator.com/strategies/plan.htm
• This website defines PLAN strategy and provides the procedure for implementing it effectively. It also provides a PLAN concept map example.
• https://www.alcaweb.org/arch.php/resource/view/133063
• This website provides a detailed example of the PLAN strategy being used on a concept map effectively.
  

How Writing Ties in with PLAN

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2.a

• Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

• How Writing is Tied into the Strategy: During the PLAN strategy the students use concept mapping to organize information and ideas through mapping and note taking. The students are expected to define a topic/word, describe it features, clarify, and summarize information.
  
• (http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/7/, 2014, para. 8)

PLAN Videos

• Video: Concept Mapping for Developing Your Research: This video shows a power point video on what concept mapping is and how it is useful in developing research topics for a research paper.
  
• Instruction: The teacher uses a power point video with visual aides to introduce concept mapping and to teach how to utilize a concept map to help write a research paper.
  
• Student Engagement: This video could be used at the beginning of  lesson to introduce concept mapping for the purpose of writing or conducting research. The, the teacher could apply, explain, and model the PLAN strategy and how to included it in the concept map.
  
• Assessment: There is no assessment included in the video. A teacher could have the students complete a concept map for a research topic given in small groups or individually using the PLAN strategy to informally assess.
  

• Video: SMART Ideas Concept Mapping: This video discusses using SMART software to create concept maps using technology. It discusses the benefits of using the software and shows some examples of concepts maps that are created using the program.
  
• Instruction: This technology software program could be used to enhance student engagement during instruction by teaching the PLAN strategy through unique concept maps. The teacher could apply the PLAN strategy when creating a concept map using this program.
  
• Student Engagement: Teaching the PLAN strategy through concept maps that are created using technology would help teach this strategy in a new and unique way. The technology would increase student engagement.
  
• Assessment: The teacher could have the students use the SMART Ideas concept mapping program to create their own concept map in any subject area using the PLAN strategy.