1. Graphic Organisers
Graphic Organisers provide a visual method of ordering and summarising information. They help the student to organise disjointed information in a structured way. They facilitate generation and development of ideas, expedite the construction of knowledge and aid the learning process. They provide active involvement to engage the kinaesthetic learner.
They work best when used by small groups (pairs and triads). They are particularly powerful when groups are structured so that
(i) each member has a leadership role/function e.g. Recorder, Researcher, Timekeeper, Clarifier, Turntaker (ensuring all group members participate), Summariser, Reporter.
(ii) resources are shared in the group i.e. one worksheet per group.
They provide a high quality teaching and learning methodology for the mixed ability classroom i.e. students with diverse abilities can work together where each student can make a real contribution to the overall learning of the group.
They accommodate the needs of students with differing learning styles and intelligences.

2. Using Graphic Organisers
Graphic Organisers may be used at all stages of the
learning process:
Pre-teaching a topic
Introducing to a topic
Teaching a topic
Assessment for Learning
Scaffolding Learning
Independent Learning
Study
Revision
Mixed Ability
VAK Learning Styles

3. Graphics Cross Classification Chart Ranking Ladder Two Venn Diagram
Three Venn Diagram
Four Corner Organiser
Starburst
Tri Pie
Research Grid
Ranking Ladder
Step
Chain of Events
Sequence Charts
Funnel
Fishbone
Braindrops

4. Step Ladder
When a topic involves prioritising or establishing stages, with a definite beginning and end.

5. When a topic involves plotting a course or a step by step processing
Stair Steps
When a topic involves plotting a course or a step by step processing

6. Resolving a Trade Dispute
Explanation
Explanation
Explanation
Explanation
Explanation
Explanation

7. Resolving a Trade Dispute
External Arbitration
Resolving a Trade Dispute
External Conciliation
Labour Court Or
Employment Appeals Tribunal
External Negotiation
Labour Relations Commission Or
Rights Commissioner
Equality Officers
Explanation
Internal Negotiation
Explanation
Union Officials
and
Senior Management
Internal Negotiation
Explanation
Shop Steward
and
Manager
Explanation
Shop Steward
and
Supervisor
Internal Negotiation
Explanation
Workers
and
Supervisor
Explanation

8. When a topic involves a series of interlinked events.
Chain of Linked Events
Starting Idea
When a topic involves a series of interlinked events.

9. When a topic involves a sequence of events or a series of causes.
Sequence Chart
When a topic involves a sequence of events or a series of causes.

10. Funnel
When a topic involves synthesising ideas, drawing conclusions, reducing a lot of information to its core e.g. creating a definition

11. Fish Bone
When summarising a topic or when investigating multiple cause and effects or when collating factors associated with a complex topic and how they interrelate.

12. Brain Drops
Ideas
When creating ideas.

13. Cross Classification Chart
Criteria
Topic
When condensing and organising comparative data according to various criteria

14. CROSS CLASSIFICATION Sole Trader PLC Co-op Private Co Franchise
Ownership
Control
Liability
Finance

15. Venn Diagram (2 Circles)
When examining the similarities and differences between two items

16. Venn Diagram (3 Circles)
When examining the similarities and differences between three items.

17. Four Corner Organiser
When characteristics of four related concepts/topics/people are being explored

18. Starburst (all points covered)
When establishing and remembering points relating to a topic

19. When expanding thinking to examine all aspects of a problem/issue
The Tri Pie
Pro
Con
Grey Area
When expanding thinking to examine all aspects of a problem/issue

20. Research Grid Q 1 Q 2 Answer Q 3 Q 4 Q 5 Q 6
For independent learning: questions are written and students research and write answers

21. Research Grid