Graphic Organizers
A graphic organizer is a visual representation of the relationships between facts, terms, or ideas. They are usually a one-page form with blank areas. Graphic organizers come in a variety of formats, each one best suited to organizing a particular type of information. They allow participants to organize, clarify, or simplify complex information. You can find or create graphic organizers to document sequences, to organize ideas during brainstorming, to compare and contrast, for planning or decision making, and many other purposes. For more ideas on how to use graphic organizers to support participant learning, refer to K-W-L Charts and Concept Maps. You can create graphic organizers using Word, PowerPoint, and other document design tools, or you can find templates online.
Graphic organizers scaffold learning because they provide participants with a way to categorize a large amount of information, recognize patterns, and compare perspectives. However, if the task is limited to participants filling in the boxes, they may not develop the conceptual understanding or unique insights you intended. Participants need an opportunity to apply the information they have deconstructed. They can apply the information through a discussion, written explanation, plan for action, or other method as determined by the learning outcome.
A T-chart is a simple table that provides space for participants to list two facets of a topic, for example, pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, before and after, etc. They can be used for brainstorming, decision making, preparation for writing, and many other purposes. Because you only need to draw two lines, T-charts are fast to create on the fly. They are suitable to any topic. However, you can only consider two options or sides of an issue.
Example
Figure 27 displays an example T-chart for comparing conventional bridge construction and accelerated bridge construction techniques.
Source: Elkaissi (2019).
An attribute matrix, or decision matrix, is a table where you can enter the names of options and list their respective attributes. Unlike the T-chart, which is limited to two options, an attribute matrix can be used to compare the attributes of several options. You can use an attribute matrix to prioritize tasks, support decision making, solve problems, or defend a decision you have already made. For decision making or prioritizing, you can assign weights to the different attributes and total the score for each choice. The highest scoring option will be the best or first choice of action. Attribute tables are best for comparing options with quantifiable criteria. They can become unwieldy if there are too many options to consider.
Example
Figure 28 displays an example attribute matrix for comparing the attributes of Median U-Turn, Thru-Turn, and Four-way intersections. This matrix is based on the NHI “Instructor Development Course” training presentation, “Thru-Turn Intersections,” by David Cox.
Source: Cox (2019).
A flow chart is a diagram that represents the sequential steps in a process or plan. All the actions, inputs and outputs, decision points, people involved, time involved, and process measurements can all be displayed in a flow chart. Flow charts are useful for understanding how a process works, explaining a process to someone else, finding ways to improve a process, or planning a process. You can provide a flowchart to participants to support their learning, or you can ask them to create their own to document their understanding. A downside of flow charts is that you need to manually trace the path to find any errors. Depending on the complexity of the process, it can be tricky to make changes to a flowchart. Flowcharts for very complex logical processes can also become messy and disorganized.
Example
Figure 29 displays a simplified flow chart for level 1 and level 2 underwater bridge inspections procedures.
Source: Cornish (2019).
Mind maps diagram used to visually organize information. To create a mind map, write the title, main idea, or concept in the center and write related concepts or ideas around the center. Draw lines to show how they link to the main idea. You can use words, phrases, or images in a mind map. As you add more details, or “nodes” to the main idea or related ideas, the diagram spreads out. Mind maps created during a brainstorming session often become free-form and flowing. You can also use mind maps for taking meeting notes, outlining reports or documents, or documenting tasks. It is important to keep mind maps uncomplicated. If you use complete sentences instead of key words and phrases, they become difficult to understand. You can draw mind map free hand or create them using software programs. If you create them by hand, it is sometimes hard to predict how much space you will need and it is difficult to move a node to another place on the diagram. Mind maps are best for less complex ideas or concepts because the number of nodes and lines increases with each detail.
Example
Figure 30 displays a mind map that captures some of the main points of the NHI Post-Tensioning Tendon Installation and Grouting Manual.
