"A picture is worth 1000 words." When students are juggling new concepts, a concrete model or a graphic organiser can be an excellent teaching aide.
What is a concrete model / graphic organiser? A concrete model is usually a one-page form with blank areas for the students to fill in ideas and information. Some organisers are very specific while others can be used with many topics. The concrete model gives students another way to see information.
Why do they work? Random facts are quickly lost. However, the brain's ability to store pictures is unlimited. And since the brain likes to chunk information, the graphic organiser complements the way the brain naturally works.
When do they work? Graphic organisers will be beneficial to students whenever they are given new information. They can be used to sequence, brainstorm and organise. During reading and listening students should be encouraged to graphically organise new information.
Advantages of Concrete Models 1. They help students to compress a lot of information into a structured, simple to read graphic display.
2. They are good for teachers as they facilitate small group work – students are then actively participating in the lesson.
3. They are excellent for allowing co-operative learning to take place in the classroom.
4. They are good for revision and exam preparation for students.
5. The brain remembers more when personal creativity has been invested in a project. Graphic organisers compliment the way the brain works.
6. Concrete models can prove very beneficial for use in mixed ability classes as their use enables all students to feel empowered, to contribute and to work at their own level.
7. Some concrete models are an excellent way of differentiating higher and ordinary level materials eg. the fish bone.
The following examples of concrete models were given to teachers who attended the evening meetings on ‘Teaching Strategies for Mixed Ability Classes’ held in all Education Centres in January 2008. A blank slide of each is included to facilitate copying.
