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What is Webbing?

Webbing is a method of visually representing relationships among ideas, concepts or events. During this procedure, ideas and information are explored and organized. The resulting web or pattern of relationships is determined by the participants' knowledge and previous experiences, and by the purpose for webbing.

What is its purpose?

to develop students' ability to perceive relationships among ideas, concepts or events
to generate and organize ideas prior to, or after, reading, writing or researching
to encourage students to recall prior knowledge and experiences
to increase students' knowledge and vocabulary in all subjects
How can I do it?

Topics to be webbed must be relevant to classroom learning experiences and students' interests.
The topic or title should be charted or displayed.
Guide a brainstorming session during which students are encouraged to verbalize ideas and understandings related to the topic.
Record brainstormed ideas.
Discuss the relationships among the various ideas and collaboratively determine how the ideas could be organized or categorized.
Record the ideas in clusters or categories around the displayed topic or title.
As students become familiar with this strategy, they may create webs prior to writing, or before and after they read, research or study.
Example:



(Saskatchewan Education English Language Arts, June 1992)

How can I adapt it?

Webbing can reveal the extent of students' knowledge about topics of study or interest. This process can guide the preparation and planning of instruction and units of study.
The use of this strategy following a unit of study or research informs students and teachers what has been learned.
Webbing can provide an outline for students' narrative or expository writing.
Webs can be used to show the interrelationships among story plot, characters, setting and theme.
Assessment & Evaluation Considerations

Monitor students' ability to relate ideas and concepts.
Note students' use of this strategy to generate and organize ideas during reading, writing and researching activities.