Graphic Organizers Are Indispensable Teaching Tools

One of the challenges that teachers often face in the classroom is keeping their students engaged in the subject matter. Getting a bunch of kids interested in monotonous material can prove to be a drain on the teacher's energy and time. The use of the graphic organizer has been proven to aid the understanding of the curriculum thereby providing the teacher much needed support. Benefits include an enhancement of reading abilities and comprehension skills and increasing vocabulary and language skills. With the use of these tools, teachers are able to affect positive changes in learning across the spectrum in all related learning areas.

The effectiveness of graphics organizers hinges on the teacher's ability to apply it to specific information or learning material. Graphic organizers themselves do not come in a one size fits all model. Thus you have a descriptive map that works best at understanding hierarchical relationships, problem and solution outlines that help to find solutions to problems, and sequential episodic maps that help determine and isolate cause and effect. A comparative and contrast map helps students compare and contrast the different features of a concept while a series of event chain helps them sort out and organize information according to stages.

Although graphic organizers can be used over a range of learning areas, they have been found to be most beneficial in enhancing reading abilities. Processes like outlining solutions to problems, concept mapping and comparing and contrasting features are applicable to all subject areas covering science, math, language and social studies. Graphic organizers therefore boost learning in all subject areas that they are applied to. Unlike many teaching tools that are rigid and have only one application, graphic organizers are flexible and can be used over a range of applications making them indispensable for teachers who want to enrich the teaching environment.

How graphic organisers help you and your students


Related: Descriptive Concept Maps | Mind Mapping

Although pen and paper graphic organizers are still used, electronic versions are increasingly becoming popular due to their ability to facilitate editing and ease of storage. For teachers who find the prospect of using technological tools daunting, sites like Inspiration and Kidspiration are great ways to get started. And these are not the only options. There are sites that help you generate your own graphic organizers. Online sharing software can also be downloaded and used to generate graphics organizers. You don't necessarily have to use your browser to create visual learning tools that are convenient and easy to use. Try commonly used paint and draw software to map concepts and ideas with your students. With Photoshop, Corel Draw, Illustrator and other software you can incorporate ideas, move them around the chart, add your own illustrations and paint these. You can also use spreadsheets to document your ideas. Many spreadsheets allow you to use photographs besides tables. Word processor software is also an easy way to create flow charts and map concepts. Another simple yet effective way of incorporating pictures and graphics into your teaching is to take pictures, scan these and then add them to the project. You can sue simple magazine clips, and markers, shoot them with your digital camera and scan them on to the web.

When it comes to finding ways to incorporate graphic organizers into your teaching environment, you're limited only by your imagination.

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