Graphic OrganizerBY: DAVID BORER

Introduction

Graphic organizers come in a variety of methods and are used for their effectiveness in improving the learning capabilities of students.

Definition

A graphic organizer is a visual and graphic display that depicts the relationships between facts, terms, and/or ideas within a learning task.

Graphic organizers are also sometimes referred to as knowledge maps, concept maps, story maps, cognitive organizers, advance organizers, or concept diagrams.

Types of Graphic OrganizersConcept Maps

Types of Graphic OrganizersWebs

Types of Graphic OrganizersMind Maps

How to use Graphic Organizers

Helps students with the structure of a writing project

Encourages students to make decisions

Helps students classify ideas

Allows students to demonstrate their thinking process

Helps students increase reading comprehension

Its easier to brainstorm

Use of Graphic Organizers Cont.

Using text and visual aids in the classroom reaches a wide variety of learners.

Creates a strong visual picture for the students.

Allows the students to see connections between facts, information, and terms.

Commonly used for grades K through 12.

Also effective for adult learners.

The brain is more equipped to process images rather than text.

Teaching with Graphic Organizers

Things that can be taught:

Cause and effect

Taking Notes

Comparing and contrasting concepts

Organizing problems and solutions

Organizational skills

Vocab. knowledge

Graphic Organizers in Diverse Achievement-Level

Classrooms

Pros and Cons of a Graphic Organizer

PROS

Useful in helping students grasp abstract concepts.

Enhance learning by stimulating students’ interest and retaining their attention.

Small diagrams are easy to create and update.

CONS

Answer keys are time consuming.

A decrease in note taking.

Larger diagrams often get complicated very quickly and become harder to update.

Conclusion

Graphic organizer creates a strong visual picture for the students.

Can be used for all age groups.

Encourages students to make decisions.