Graphic Organizers with a Twist

Graphic Organizers with a Twist

Center for Middle School Academic Achievement

Presented by Dave PuckettNational Middle School

Association2010

Questions

Do I ever say anything in class that’s important enough for students to take notes on it?

Do I teach my students how to take notes on the things I say?

Questions

Do I ever assign my students something to read, such as a chapter in the text or a magazine article?

Do I teach my students how to read those things?

Questions

Do I think writing is an important enough skill that I require my students to engage in it from time to time?

Do I teach my students how to write in my content area?

Why use Graphic Organizers?

“Better learning will not come from better ways for the teacher to instruct, but from giving the learner better opportunities to construct.”

Papert, 1990

In this session, we will …

See why we use GO’s Examine common

traits of GO’s Scan a process for

teaching GO’s Review sample 2-

dimensional GO’s Add a twist with 3-

dimensional GO’s

GO’s to go!

Graphic Organizers are instructional tools that are flexible and endless in application.

Common Traits of GO’s

They show the order and completeness of a student’s thought process.

Strengths and weaknesses of understanding become clearly evident.

Many GO’s show different aspects of an issue/problem--in close and also in the big picture.

Since many GO’s use short words or phrases, they are ideal for many types of learners, including ECE and ESL with intermediate proficiency.

5 Main Types of GO’s

1. Web: Use to show definitions, attributes, examples and brainstorming.

2. Chart/Matrix: use to show attributes, comparing and contrasting, and evaluating.

3. Tree/Map: Use to show classification, analysis, structures, examples and brainstorming.

4. Chain: Use to show processes, sequences, causes and effects, and chronology.

5. Sketch: Use to show physical structures, descriptions of places, spatial relationships, concrete objects, and visual images.

What is the process for teaching GO’s?

1. Describe the Concept of GO’s

Describe the concept of GO’s and discuss…– The importance of

organizing information.

– Various ways to organize.

– Benefits of using visual organizers.

2. Introduce a specific GO.

Describe its– Purpose – the

kind of thinking it represents.

– Visual form.

3. Explain and Demonstrate.

Explain and demonstrate the use of the selected GO with– Familiar

information.– New

information.

4. Students apply the GO.

Students apply the GO for a specific purpose to…– Familiar

information– New information

(relatively easy)

6. Have students reflect.

Have students reflect on the use of the GO by:– Sharing student examples.– Evaluating the effectiveness of

the GO as to its purpose.

2-Dimensional GOs

2-Dimensional Organizers

Uses:– Teacher directed instruction with new

information.– Review of previous learning.– Pre-writing strategy for ORQ,s

“Google” it up!

A multitude of 2-dimensional GO’s are available on the web.

Great samples may be found with instructions at www.readingquest.org

Add a Twist!

3-Dimensional GO’s

Organize, display, and arrange information, making it easier for students to grasp concepts, theories, facts, opinions, questions, research, and ideas.

3-Dimensional GO’s

Serve as student-made study guides that are compiled as students listen for main ideas, read for main ideas, or conduct research.

3-Dimensional GO’s

Replace teacher-generated writing or photocopied worksheets with student-generated print.

Uses for 3-Dimensional GO’s

Reading Tool– While developing their own 3-Dimensional

GO’s, students practice basic writing skills, find and report main ideas, organize information, and review key vocabulary.

Assessment Tool– Assess student knowledge by using 3-

Dimensional GO’s as an assessment tool. They provide detailed feedback on what students know and what misconceptions they may still have.

Study Tool– 3-Dimensional GO’s can be used to review

for chapter and unit tests, end of course exams, and for standardized tests.

Let’s practice!

2-tabs 3-tabs Multiple tabs/layered

book Projects 4-door books Cubing

Sources

McREL. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas; If Not Me, Then Who?

Dinah Zikes, Foldables Writedesignonline.com Readingquest.org