Can Graphic Organizers Really Improve Literacy?

Add Graphic Organizers to Your Lesson Plans

Graphic organizers can be a fantastic addition to your literacy strategies toolbox. Used before, during, and after reading, students can use them to summarize information, sequence events, show relationships, record and manage details, identify key points and ideas, and list examples. Handling concepts in this way not only improves student understanding of content area reading but also prepares them for writing about what they’ve learned.

I’ve long been a fan of graphic organizers, but I’m not alone. The Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE) at AEL concluded the following benefits of using graphic organizers:• Reading comprehension. The use of graphic organizers is effective in improving students’ reading comprehension.

Student achievement. Students using graphic organizers show achievement benefits across content areas and grade levels. Achievement benefits are also seen with students with learning disabilities.

Thinking and learning skills. The process of developing and using a graphic organizer enhances skills such as developing and organizing ideas, seeing relationships, and categorizing concepts.

Retention. The use of graphic organizers aids students in the retention and recall of information.

Cognitive learning theory. The use of graphic organizers supports the implementation of cognitive learning theories: dual coding theory, schema theory, and cognitive load theory.

The Occasional Venn Diagram May Not Be Enough

However, simply pulling out the occasional Venn diagram may not be sufficient to improve student literacy. A report from the College of William and Mary School of Education in June of 2014 states “…simply using a graphic organizer does not guarantee enhanced student understanding or achievement. Research and best practices have shown that, for graphic organizers to be effective instructional tools, several factors must be addressed. First, the graphic organizers need to be very straightforward and coherent. Next, students must be taught how to use the graphic organizer. Finally, teachers should consistently use graphic organizers during all aspects of instruction so that students begin to internalize the organizational skills of the graphic display.” (http://education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/documents/packets/graphicorganizers.pdf)

I have 3 “Literacy Strategies for Biology” products that include graphic organizers along with constructed responses and word walls to help you meet literacy objectives.

My Cells and Organelles resource covers the concepts of the cell theory, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, plant and animal cells, and organelle functions.

Literacy Strategies for Biology: Plasma Membrane covers the structure and function of the plasma membrane, passive and active transport, osmosis, and cell tonicity. These can be pretty tough concepts for students to grasp, but the strategies included in this product will help with comprehension and retention.