Graphic Organizers
What is it and what does the research say?
A graphic organizer is a way to visualize a key concept or fact. In this case, vocabulary. They can be used to show the work, the definition, the type, a breakdown of the word, and examples of use. Seen at right is an example of a graphic organizer where the central idea, or word, is in the middle.
“Graphic organizers have been found to be an effective strategy for vocabulary instruction in informational text" (Monroe, 1998). Informational text is a difficult subject for many students to grasp, but they can be an aid in more ways than just that. Gallavan, & Kottler (2007) say “organizers also help students record and recall information, see relationships, use appropriate language, and comprehend concepts." |
Examples of a Graphic Organizer and Uses
Graphic organizers are great tools to provide for students when learning new vocabulary or trying to understand an event. The graphic organizer seen above can be used to help define an unknown word, say, plasma. Plasma could be written in the middle and stemming out from the unknown word could be the written definition, a synonym, maybe even an anti-synonym, a personal connection to the student, etc.
An example of a graphic organizer can be seen below. This graphic organizer is used for young students to write down a topic and "layer" details on top.
An example of a graphic organizer can be seen below. This graphic organizer is used for young students to write down a topic and "layer" details on top.
Video Examples of Graphic Organizers
The video on the left shows how one might make a graphic organizer within Word using a SmartBoard. This demonstration can be extended to in-class demonstration or in-class discussion on creating a graphic organizer for a given subject. Students at a younger and younger age are learning how to use the classroom's SmartBoard. As a teacher, it's a great tool to utilize with your students. Students become engaged by getting up and out of their desk and working in front of the classroom with their peers.
The second video shows how someone can apply a graphic organizer to reading and understanding a book. This serves as a great pairing of art and reading. Students learn how to break down their subject and be creative in a system that aids student development in translation, recall, and refinement.
The second video shows how someone can apply a graphic organizer to reading and understanding a book. This serves as a great pairing of art and reading. Students learn how to break down their subject and be creative in a system that aids student development in translation, recall, and refinement.
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Online Resources for Graphic Organizers
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/
Resources of various forms of pre-made graphic organizers
http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm
Easy to print graphic organizers
http://my.hrw.com/nsmedia/intgos/html/igo.htm
Online and interactive graphic organizers
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/
Pre-made graphic organizers with some information about how to use them effectively.
http://www.thinkport.org/technology/template.tp
A depository of various graphic organizers in HTML, PDF and Word form.
Resources of various forms of pre-made graphic organizers
http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm
Easy to print graphic organizers
http://my.hrw.com/nsmedia/intgos/html/igo.htm
Online and interactive graphic organizers
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/
Pre-made graphic organizers with some information about how to use them effectively.
http://www.thinkport.org/technology/template.tp
A depository of various graphic organizers in HTML, PDF and Word form.
References
Gallavan, N. P., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight Types of Graphic Organizers for Empowering Social Studies Students and Teachers. Social Studies, 98(3), 117-128.
Marchand-Martella, N., Miller, T. L., & MacQueen, C. (1998). Graphic organizers. Teaching Pre K-8, 28(4), 46.
Monroe, E. (1998). Using graphic organizers to teach vocabulary: Does available research inform mathematics instruction?. Education, 118(4), 538.
Marchand-Martella, N., Miller, T. L., & MacQueen, C. (1998). Graphic organizers. Teaching Pre K-8, 28(4), 46.
Monroe, E. (1998). Using graphic organizers to teach vocabulary: Does available research inform mathematics instruction?. Education, 118(4), 538.