Use a Graphic Organizer to Teach Critical Thinking Skills

Gail CorderTechnology Coordinator

Trinity Valley SchoolFort Worth, Texas

Why Graphic Organizers?

• Helps students understand relationships between concepts

• Gives students ownership of the information

• Allows students to create a visual representation of the concepts

Uses Throughout the Curriculum

• Can be used in every discipline

• Recommend grade levels 3 – 12

• Useful for professional and personal planning

English/Language Arts

Science

Social Studies

Mathematics

Foreign Language

Music and Art

Music Teacher, Lorraine Cich (Thomas Jefferson School)

Research and Planning

Outlining

Assessment

Best Uses

• In the hands of the students

• Stress relationships between concepts

• Ask good questions

•Analyze•Classify•Compare•Diagnose•Plan

•Reorganize•Predict•Rank•Justify•Evaluate

Resources

My Graphic Organizer Site

• Graphic Organizer Software– Software for purchase– Free software– Software alternatives

• Lesson Plans – Printable graphic organizers– Sample Concept maps

• Assessment

http://faculty.trinityvalleyschool.org/corderg/go