60. FOUR BOX SYNECTICS (Writing, Discussion)
Description: Synectics is a technique that allows students to strengthen their understanding of words or concepts through the use of creative comparisons (analogy, metaphor, and simile).
Application: Use Synectics as a way to deepen understanding about a topic that students have studied.
Process: Have a word or concept in mind when setting up a Four Box Synectics Chart, placing categories in the boxes. (Addendum below: Categories can be broad such as “food,” “moving objects,” “animal,” “recent invention”.) Hand out chart to each student in class and tell him to write one common object within each box, making sure it falls into the labeled category. Write the topic studied in the blank, but only after the students have named the objects. Give a verbal example: Questioning is like a bicycle because you have to put forth some effort to get it to take you anywhere. Have students brainstorm, either as individuals or small groups, the various ways in which the topic they have studied is like each of the four objects. When students have brainstormed the different connections, have them write a final summary about the topic using the ideas generated during brainstorming and add additional ideas they have about the topic.
Description: Synectics is a technique that allows students to strengthen their understanding of words or concepts through the use of creative comparisons (analogy, metaphor, and simile).
Application: Use Synectics as a way to deepen understanding about a topic that students have studied.
Process: Have a word or concept in mind when setting up a Four Box Synectics Chart, placing categories in the boxes. (Addendum below: Categories can be broad such as “food,” “moving objects,” “animal,” “recent invention”.) Hand out chart to each student in class and tell him to write one common object within each box, making sure it falls into the labeled category. Write the topic studied in the blank, but only after the students have named the objects. Give a verbal example: Questioning is like a bicycle because you have to put forth some effort to get it to take you anywhere. Have students brainstorm, either as individuals or small groups, the various ways in which the topic they have studied is like each of the four objects. When students have brainstormed the different connections, have them write a final summary about the topic using the ideas generated during brainstorming and add additional ideas they have about the topic.
Reference, graphics, and/or for more information:
60. Four Box Synectics
MCPS Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Montgomery Schools, MD
60. Four Box Synectics
MCPS Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Montgomery Schools, MD
