Graphic Organizers
Examples of Common Patterns:
Value of graphic representations: Creating graphic representations of what has been learned helps students store knowledge and enhances their understanding of content. Students benefit from both linguistic and nonlinguistic systems of representation. However, the primary way new information is presented in the classroom is linguistic, delivered through lectures or readings. When teachers help students generate nonlinguistic representations of what they are learning, achievement increases. Indeed, the more students use both systems of representation--linguistic and nonlinguistic-the better they are able to think about and recall knowledge. (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001)
- Descriptive Patterns - used to represent facts about specific persons, places, things, and events. Information need not be organized in any order.
- Time-Sequence Patterns - help organize information that has a specific sequence that must be understood in chronological order.
- Process/Cause-Effect Patterns - a causal network describes a specific outcome or sequence of steps.
- Episode Patterns - help organize a specific event that can include information about its setting, people, sequence of events, cause and effects, etc.
Example: Civil War. - Generalization/Principle Patterns - organize general statements with supporting examples.
- Concept Patterns - use to organize information around a word or phrase that represents subcategories of persons, places, things, or events.
Example: Story Map
Resources for Graphic Organizers:
- Education Place
Example: Conduct a Search Strategy - S.C.O.R.E. - California's collection of examples for educators.
- TeacherVision Printables - great variety of blackline masters.
- NCREL's Graphic Organizer Page - more info and designs.
- WriteDesign's Organizer Page - good examples and background info.
- Graphic Organizers.com
- everythingESL - Graphic organizers make content area information more accessible to second language learners. They convert complex information into manageable chunks. Download graphic organizers from this page.
- edHelper.com
- Kankakee Illinois - teacher created web site with more examples.