Graphic Organizers

John Eggler
Study Habits/Task Precision

Purpose Statement

This activity is designed to show students that there are different ways to organize notes from lecture/discussion or from a text. It is not a method for taking notes in class; it is too distracting for that purpose, but it is good for test reviews, group discussions, and term paper development. It also takes into account different learning styles since the emphasis in both graphic aids is more visual.

 

Description of Activity

There are two types of organizers the instructor can use: charts and concept maps. Charts with categories or concept maps with some information filled in are given to students. They can then be completed at home or in class during group work.

 

Materials Needed

The instructor should create the chart or part of the concept map at home. An alternative would be to develop these on the board. However, this may result in the instructor having to do more work in the classroom. In group work, an instructor might only give one chart or map to each group; the group concentrates on the group effort. The instructor can always make copies of the paper and hand it out during the next class session.

 

Application

This activity should be done early in the semester and repeated a number of times since one purpose of it is to teach students to use organizers on their own.

 

Related Student Services

These graphic organizers are particularly good in working with DSPS, International, Essential Skills, or high-level ESL students. Their use might help these students understand the material a bit better.

 

 

 

 

this web page was created on 5/27/99 at 9:44:22 AM
and modified on 5/27/99 at 9:44:22 AM