Monday, June 3, 2024

The Lighthouse Diary #53: The Power of Visual Maps and Graphic Organizers

How many times has a visual map or graphic organizer saved me and my students from being stumped on a task? 

All the time!

A flowchart helped me and my student unlock complex steps for a Physics essay on wave theory, while overlapping circles identifying the relationship of man’s conflict with society in the anime Attack on Titan lent clarity on another student’s approach to discuss and analyze fascism. Both students have submitted their topic proposals and we await feedback from their respective subject teacher. What else did we realize? Knowledge is never isolated. 



A Physics paper on wave theory implies further research on water resources and natural energy. Fascism is driven by the desire to control and to be controlled. My students are taking notes on this intersection of knowledge with a recognition of relevant sources that they must look for and information they need to dig and mine.


Before the 10-15 minute consultation ends, I make them write a summary or a paragraph or two interpreting the visual map / graphic organizer we made together. In forthcoming sessions, we will go back to these maps and reflections to review and build upon what we are knowing.

This is Phase 1 of the research cycle. Phase 2 begins when feedback has been rendered. It is going to be a busy summer.

#teacherlibrarian #researchprocess #yalibraryservices #academicwriting


Read more posts on Graphic Organizers in Teaching Research Skills

Visualizing Information in Research

Mind Maps as Thinking Tools

The Learning Scientist

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