Concrete ModelsConcrete Models (graphic organisers) provide a visual method of organising and summarising information. They help the student to organise disjointed information in a structured way. They facilitate the generation and development of ideas, expedite the construction of knowledge and aid the learning process. They provide active involvement to engage the kinaesthetic learner.

They work best when used by small groups (pairs and triads). They are particularly powerful when groups are structured so that

(i) each member has a leadership role/function e.g. Recorder, Researcher, Timekeeper, Clarifier, Turntaker (ensuring all group

members participate), Summariser, Reporter.

(ii) resources are shared in the group i.e. one worksheet per group.

They provide a high quality teaching and learning methodology for the mixed ability classroom i.e. students with diverse abilities can work together where each student can make a real contribution to the overall learning of the group.

They accommodate the needs of students with differing learning styles and intelligences.

Using Concrete ModelsConcrete Models (Graphic Organisers) may be used at all

stages of the learning process.• Pre-teaching a topic• Introducing to a topic• Teaching a topic• Assessment for Learning• Scaffolding Learning• Independent Learning• Study • Revision

Contents of Pack1. Ranking Ladder

2. Step

3. Chain of Events

4. Sequence Charts

5. Funnel

6. Fishbone

7. Braindrops

8. Cross Classification Chart

9. Two Venn Diagram

10. Three Venn Diagram

11. Four Corner Organiser

12. Starburst

13. Tri Pie

14. Research Grid

Step Ladder

When a topic involves prioritising or establishing stages, with a definite beginning and end.

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Stair Steps

When a topic involves plotting a course or a step by step processing

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Chain of Linked Events

When a topic involves a series of interlinked events.

Starting Idea

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Sequence Chart

When a topic involves a sequence of events or a series of causes.

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Funnel

When a topic involves synthesising ideas, drawing conclusions, reducing a lot of information to its core e.g. creating a definition.

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Fish Bone

When summarising a topic or when investigating multiple cause and effects or when collating factors associated with a complex topic and how they interrelate.

Brain Drops

When creating ideas.

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Cross Classification Chart

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When condensing and organising comparative data according to various criteria

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Venn Diagram (2 Circles)

When examining the similarities and differences between two items

Venn Diagram (3 Circles)

When examining the similarities and differences between three items.

Venn Diagram (3 Circles)

Four Corner Organiser

When characteristics of four related concepts/topics/people are being explored

The Tri Pie

When expanding thinking to examine all aspects of a problem/issue

Pro Con

Grey Area

Starburst (all points covered)

When establishing and remembering points relating to a topic

Research Grid

For independent learning: questions are written and students research and write answers

Q 1 Q 2

Answer Answer

Q 3 Q 4

Answer Answer

Q 5 Q 6

Answer Answer