Chapter six is all about graphic organizers. I have used and drawn numerous types of graphic organizers as a student. I can say that as a teacher, I will use organizers (discussed in this chapter) in my classroom.
I can remember drawing concept maps and venn diagrams when I was in elementary school, but that's it- I don't remember doing anything else with them. This is discussed in the chapter. After students complete an organizer, teachers should have them work with a partner and discuss their organizers, give a presentation about the information gathered using the organizer, or use as a study guide (p. 105).
One quote that stood out to me is found on page 103, "Graphic organizers are one way for teachers to ensure that students can show their abilities." I completely agree with this quote. Too often, teachers "teach to the test" and don't give students a chance to show their creative side. Creating different graphic organizers gives students a chance to do this AND learn. This quote was referencing ELL's as well, which I found very cool. I (probably) never would have thought about using organizers for ELL's, but now I know that they can be VERY useful.
I know that organizers can be used for prereading to "alert students to important ideas they will encounter during an upcoming reading" (p. 104), but if the students haven't read the story/chapter, how would they know if something were important? Yes, they could outline the chapter, but exactly how could they construct a concept map on something they know nothing about?
Hi Amanda, good question, I think this is when as teachers we facilitate and help guide their thinking. We'll do it today together--see what you think. I also want to quote a long section from your post I like"
ReplyDeleteAfter students complete an organizer, teachers should have them work with a partner and discuss their organizers, give a presentation about the information gathered using the organizer, or use as a study guide (p. 105).
"One quote that stood out to me is found on page 103, "Graphic organizers are one way for teachers to ensure that students can show their abilities." I completely agree with this quote. Too often, teachers "teach to the test" and don't give students a chance to show their creative side. Creating different graphic organizers gives students a chance to do this AND learn. This quote was referencing ELL's as well, which I found very cool. I (probably) never would have thought about using organizers for ELL's, but now I know that they can be VERY useful."
Nice, I agree, sometimes creating visuals besides writing (or discussing) can be a diff way to process knowledge and then to show what is understood. And this connection with ELLs hits home, too.