Graphic organisers can assist with improving cognitive functioning, in particular learning and memory. They are also often referred to as concept maps, webbing diagrams, word trees and mindmaps. Graphic organisers assist with understanding concepts and the relationships between those concepts and may also assist with enhancing problem solving skills by presenting information and ideas in a visual map style format. With a graphic organiser map, the main heading would be written or pictured in the middle of a page with lines or links out to related topics, with further links added in as ideas develop or projects expand.
Information presented in graphic format is quick to review and is consistent with the way the mind works, which can make information easier to remember as the maps:
- allow remembering of important information
- allow addition of new information
- assist recall of ideas
- consolidate information from difference sources
- organise note taking into specific areas
- provide links for complex problems
- reduce the cognitive demands as the learner does not have to process as much semantic information to understand the information
- summarise information.
Tips for effective use of graphic organisers:
- avoid excess words or phrases
- print words rather than use cursive handwriting
- use colour to distinguish concepts and enhance memory
- use relevant symbols, pictures or underlining to distinguish between areas
- draw lines between concepts to show relationships.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who have memory or learning difficulties, or struggle to write down and follow ideas in list style formats, use of graphic mapping or organising may assist in being able to visualise and follow through ideas as they arise. Pictures, symbols and colours for representation of certain concepts or ideas may be useful to replace words. Graphic organisers can be adapted to suit each persons’ needs so that they can get the most out of using them.
For more information about visual performance aids see the link below:
References
Alton, S. 2001, Children with Down Syndrome Information Sheet: Short-term Auditory Memory, DSA Journal, United Kingdom, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.dsansw.org.au/downloads/Short%20term%20auditory%20memory%20-%20Alton%20UK.pdf
Mind Tools 2011, Mind Maps: A powerful approach to notetaking, Mind Tools Ltd, London, viewed 12 May 2011, http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm
Victorian Essential Learning Standards 2009, Graphic Organisers, State Government of Victoria: Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, East Melbourne, viewed 12 May 2011, http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/domainsupport/thinking/organisers.html