Why are graphic organizers helpful

Well-designed graphic organizers should guide students to categorize key concepts, surface the interconnection of ideas, or help students construct knowledge. For example, if your desired learning objective is to have students explain the paradox that both an overly weak and an overly strong government can threaten individual liberty, the graphic organizer must be constructed to generate that level of thinking. The organizer should ensure that students move beyond the traditional listing of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Instead, the design should lead students to thoughtfully analyze how liberty was impacted under the British monarchy and the Articles of Confederation.

Similarly, if the goal is to determine whether an author followed or broke from traditional storytelling conventions, a graphic organizer that outlines the plot elements of a novel would be insufficient.

The design of the graphic organizer must align with the learning goal and require that students apply the information they deconstructed in order to make meaning or develop unique insights. Students can use a T-chart to make comparisons related to a variety of topics or subjects; they can also be used in any content area or genre.

For example, in social studies students can compare two different political candidates, then use the chart to help them in a class debate.

An idea web is a graphic organizer that is used for brainstorming and helps students organize ideas or concepts. Much like a concept map, an idea web is comprised of circles that are connected. This type of organizer is mainly used to help students brainstorm story ideas.

For example, a topic is written in the center circle and students write in the details in the surrounding smaller circles. A KWL chart is another popular graphic organizer, especially in the elementary classroom. This is a great graphic organizer for activating prior knowledge. This organizer is used both before and after learning a concept.

This three-step process is great for developing a sense of purpose and helps students become more engaged in the topic they are learning. Graphic organizers can be a helpful learning tool, especially when they can guide students to a deeper understanding of what they are learning. For example, explain to students that you choose a Venn diagram as a starting point for an essay they will be writing because it will help them compare two characters in an organized manner before they begin writing their essay.

When students understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, it will give them a sense of purpose. Click to tell your friends, colleagues and school administrators about PLB's courses. Privacy Policy Terms of Use. Online PD for Teachers. Submit Purchase Order.

Why use Graphic Organizers in the Classroom? About Network. Speak Your Mind Click here to cancel reply. BBB Accredited Business. Better Business Bureau Accredited. For example, two teachers from Wilton High use different types of graphic organizers to help students organize information from their texts. Click to enlarge.

Close this panel. National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. National Science Teachers Association. When they use any kind of graphic organizer for the first time, content-area teachers need to explain its purpose and use.

Teachers should model how to complete each section by verbalizing how to extract information from the written text and how to record it. With sufficient demonstration and guided practice, many students will be able to complete graphic organizers independently.

In addition, allowing students to complete the graphic organizer with a partner or small group has the added benefit of creating opportunities to discuss the information, which in turn will help them to further clarify and reinforce the concepts. Initial Thoughts.