Graphic Organizers

Definition:

Graphic organizers are simply ways to organize information visually. They come in many forms like sequence chains, concept maps, webs, flow charts, Venn diagrams, time lines, and tree diagrams. They help people organize, explain, and recall complex relationships among elements. Graphic organizers can clarify concepts that cannot be communicated through words.

Steps:

· Provide information or reference material that can be organized in a meaningful manner.

· Provide an appropriate graphic organizer that could be used to insightfully systematize the information.

· Model how students can use the graphic organizer to depict the relationships within the information.

· Allow students time to complete the graphic organizer.

· Have students discuss how and why they chose to complete the graphic organizer as they did.

When to use:

Since most people tend to think in visual terms, graphic organizers are often an appropriate way to organize information onto one page. This is a tool that helps students acquire knowledge, not a means of imparting knowledge. They are excellent communication tools to assist students in seeing the big picture as well as seeing relationships within information.

Resources:

Barnekow, Daniel J., Graphic Organizers for Social Studies Classes, Graphic Organizers for Science Classes, and Graphic Organizers for Language Arts Classes, J. Weston Walch, Portland, ME, 1998.

Example:www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm