2. Graphic Organizers (GO) are pictorial or
graphical ways to organize information and
thoughts for understanding, remembering,
or writing about. Graphic organizers, mind
maps and concept maps are powerful tools
that can be used to enhance learning and
create a foundation for learning.
3. Is a picture worth a thousand words?
A graphic organizer (GO) forms a powerful
visual picture of information and allows the
mind 'to see' undiscovered patterns and
relationships. We use them everyday in our
lives.
4.
5. Uses of GO
Graphic organizers (GO) (some of
which are also called concept
maps, entity relationship charts,
and mind maps) are a pictorial
way of constructing knowledge
and organizing information. They
help us convert and compress a
lot of information into a
structured, simple-to-read,
graphic display. The resulting
visual display converts complex
information in a simple-to-understand
manner.
Graphic organizers can be
used to structure writing
projects, to help in
problem solving, decision
making, studying, planning
research and
brainstorming.
6.
7. Steps to make a GO
Step 1. List the key concepts. Look over your textbook or notes and
choose a key concept. Write the most important ideas related to the
concept on a sheet of paper. Include relevant terms, proper names,
dates and details in the list.
Step 2. Arrange the concepts and titles (defition, types, examples,
pictures, dates, importance, functions, etc) in order of importance.
Write the main concept at the top of a separate sheet of paper. Jot
down specific elements across the bottom of the paper. Write the
supporting details throughout the middle of the paper.
Step 3. Draw a circle or square around each concept or title.
8. Step 4. Connect the concepts or topics. Draw lines between the
concept or topics circles. Add words (connectors) that explain
the relationships between the concepts. Use verbs, verb
phrases or prepositions to describe how the concepts are
related.
Step 5. Review GO. Check the GO for accuracy Fix errors and
delete any . Add missing concepts, connectors or definitions to
the GO.
TIPS…..
First draw your GO with a pencil, then go back over it with a pen
or marker. After the GO has been created, look at the
organizational patterns to see if the pieces fit together
and make sense and if there is anything missing.
Have fun when you make a GO and save time doing it in
computer.
9. In reviewing your concept map,
consider the following attributes:
• Accuracy and Thoroughness. Are the
concepts/topics and relationships correct? Are
important concepts/topics missing?
• Organization. Was the GO laid out in a way
that higher order relationships are apparent and
easy to follow? Does it have a title?
• Appearance. Was the assignment done with
care showing attention to details such as
spelling? Is it neat and orderly or is it messy?
• Creativity. Is it interesting, complete and
complex without being distracting?
13. Remember……
Graphic Organizers (GO) are
graphical tools for
organizing and
representing knowledge.
They include concepts,
usually enclosed in circles
or boxes of some type, and
relationships between
concepts indicated by a
connecting line linking two
concepts. Words on the
line, referred to as linking
words or linking phrases,
specify the relationship
between the two concepts.
