Using Graphic Organizers in the Classroom

By Jennifer Behr

Types of Graphic Organize

rs

Descriptive Pattern

Time Sequence

Process/Cause-Effect Pattern

Episode Pattern

Generalization/Principle

Pattern

Concept Pattern

Time SequenceTime sequence patterns organize events into

a simple chronological order.

EVENT

EVENT

EVENT

EVENT

Process Cause-Effect PatternProcess cause-effect patterns organize information

into a causal network leading to a specific outcome or into a sequence of steps leading to a specific product.

EFFECT

Episode PatternEpisode patterns organize information about

specific events including (1) a setting (time and place), (2) specific people, (3) a specific duration, (4) a specific sequence of events, and (5) a particular cause and effect.Duration

Time

Place

Cause Effect

Person Person Person

EPISODE

Generalization/Principle PatternGeneralization/principle patterns organize information

into general statements with supporting examples.

Generalization/Principle

Example

Example

Example

Concept PatternConcept patterns, the most general of all patterns, organize

information around a word or phrase that represents entire classes or categories of persons, places, things, and events.

Characteristic

Characteristic

CharacteristicExample

Example

Example

Example

ExampleExample

Example

CONCEPT

Descriptive PatternDescriptive patterns can be used to represent facts

about specific persons, places, things and events.

TOPIC

FACT

FACTFACT

FACT

FACT

FACT

CitationsMarzano, R., Pickering , D., & Pollock, J.

(2001). Classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: McREL.

Additional Websiteshttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/

graphicorganizers/

http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/cc/vp_gle/2nd/more/graphic_organizers.htm

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/