Semantic Feature Analysis

Semantic Feature Analysis (Baldwin, Ford, and Readance, 1981; Johnson and Pearson, 1984) is
a strategy to help students understand the meaning of words.
Steps:
1. On the left side of the matrix, list the words that pertain to a certain category or topic.
2. Ask students  to choose features of the words to be listed across the top of the matrix or
also choose them prior to the lesson.
3. Tell students to complete the matrix by using a plus sign (+) for features that apply
to each word and leaving the space blank if the features do not apply. If unsure, a
question mark (?) is used.
4. Facilitate a discussion around the words and features to challenge students’ thinking.
Adaptations:
• Use mathematic symbols, formulas, and properties.