Graphic Organizers: Educational Example

Complex systems present difficult challenges when working to understand them. In this article we will discuss the visual and graphic organizers to understand the interactions and roles in those systems.
Graphic Organizer with 3 circles with 3 primal colors and the word "student, teacher, and content" inside them. 3 double-headed arrows with the word interaction connect them. The word learning is in the center.

Introduction

Complex systems present difficult challenges when working to understand them.  You can examine these systems more easily by identifying generalized categories. As elements change, the dynamic system presents different challenges based on the perspective of the examination.  Using graphic organizers as a visual tool aids in understanding the relationships present in the system.  These include an outline, tables, graphics, graphic organizers, mind maps, concept maps, etc.  These tools provide a picture of the elements, their relationship, interactions, and possible actions within the system. 

Graphic Organizers

A simple graphic organizer serves as the basis for a number of discussions.  This figure below shows three elements that exist within a system and have some connection or interaction.  Without context, the diagram lacks useful information.  Adding the context and meaningful labels provides a step towards a clearer discussion of the system.

Graphic Organizer with 3 circles with 3 primal colors and the word "Roles" inside them. 3 double-headed arrows with the word interaction connect them. The word goal is in the center.
Graphic organizer of roles and goal

The example of learning

Education presents a complex system that is often examined.

In the context of education the goal becomes “learning” (7). Then the roles become “student” (1), “teacher” (2), and “content” (3).

Graphic Organizer with 3 circles with 3 primal colors and the word "student, teacher, and content" inside them. 3 double-headed arrows with the word interaction connect them. The word learning is in the center.
Graphic organizer of student, teacher, content, and learning

The interactions

Interaction (4): Students (1) interface directly with the content (3). This occurs through specific instructional material and other outside sources such as media, movies, and the web.

Interaction (5): Teachers (2) interface with the content (3) as part of their formal education and in continuing professional development. Also, they interact with the content (3) in other informal ways through discussion with colleagues, readings, and information sources.

Interaction (6): Lastly, students (1) and teachers (2) interface at the point of instruction. This exchange occurs formally in the classroom during instruction. Also, this relationship develops in less formal ways while instruction unfolds over time.

Conclusion

This model assist to understand some basic interactions in this context. However, it oversimplifies the educational system. As context and perspective change so will the visualization needed to understand the situation.

If you like to explore other examples, read our other articles here:

Graphic Organizers: CID “Larger world”

Graphic Organizers: Collaborative Education

Graphic Organizers: Collaborative Mentoring

Graphic Organizers: Collaborative Leadership 

Citation

If you want to cite this blog article, please use the following:

Lipuma, J., & Leon, C. (2020, May 21). Graphic Organizers: Educational Example. James Lipuma´s Blog. https://www.jameslipuma.com/graphic-organizers-educational-example/

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