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Graphic Organizers

What are graphic organizers: ‘“A graphic organizer consists of spatial arrangements of words (or groups of words) intended to represent the conceptual organization of text”’1

“Graphic organizers are visual representations that portray relationships among key concepts and provide schematic mapping for this information”4

Examples are “concept maps, cognitive maps, visual displays, semantic maps or webs, story grammar maps/templates, flowcharts, and Venn diagrams” 1

What are their benefits and why are graphic organizers are effective: -­‐ They are a wonderful way to conclude

a text. -­‐ Creates a valuable connection between

perceptual and cognitive processing leading to strong grasp of content. Therefore it is more effective than outlines for content understanding

-­‐ “[U]sing graphic organizers is effective in reading questions like (1) identifying the main idea, (2) finding the supporting details, (3) dealing with vocabulary and (4) fact and opinion & (5) making inferences. Furthermore, the pedagogical implication here is the use graphic organizers during reading comprehension sessions indirectly motivates the students to create their own graphic organizer for the passages they read and comprehend. This improves their creativity.”2

Who benefits from using graphic organizers:

All types of student can benefit from graphic organizers. There are great tools for students with learning disabilities as well as English Language Learners.

The researcher looked at elementary, middle school, and high school students. It also looked at learning disabled, English as a Second Language students and general education students.

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References

Articles 1. Ciullo, S. P.; Reutebuch, C. (2013) Computer-

based graphic organizers for students with LD: A

systematic review of literature. Learning disabilities

research & practice. 28(4),196-210. doi:

10.1111/ldrp.12017

2. Nihalani, P., Mayrath, M., & Robinson, D. (2012).

Graphic organizers or graphic overviews?

Presentation order effects with computer-based text.

Educational Technology Research & Development,

60(5), 807-820.

3.Praveen, S. D., & Premalatha R. (2012). Using

graphic organizers to improve reading comprehension

skills for the middle school ESL Students.

doi:10.5539/elt.v6n2p155

4. Shaw, S., Unzueta, C. H., & Barbetta, P. M.

(2012). The effects of computer graphic organizers on

the persuasive writing of Hispanic middle school

students with specific learning disabilities. Journal of

Special Education Technology, 27(3), 15-30.

Images

- www.bromfields.net  - http://freeology.com/graphicorgs/cause-

effect-tree-chart/  - www.enchantedlearning.com  

-  timvandevall.com    

 

How to use graphic organizers: The  key  to  a  good  graphic  organizer  is  simplicity.    Graphic  organizers  can  be:  

-­‐ Typed  or  hand  written  -­‐ Premade  or  student  created  

 1. First  one  needs  to  understand  the  lesson.  2. Then  one  needs  to  break  the  main  ideas  of  the  lesson  into  manageable  steps.  3. Next  one  needs  to  choose  the  best  way  to  display  those  main  ideas,  such  as  a  web,  vein  diagram  or  a  chart.  4.  Lastly  one  needs  to  makes  sure  it  flows  in  logically  and  alludes  to  connections  in  the  lesson.    

 

How to implement and encourage use: Students can be encouraged to use graphic organizers by demonstrating for the students how effective and straight forward their work could become if the used a graphic organizer. Furthermore if the teacher used them while teaching it will create an atmosphere that supports this aid.

How to easily document the use: The use of graphic organizers can be documented by collection the typed up or written graphics.