Comparing Two Stories Graphic Organizer: A Powerful Tool for Effective Learning

When it comes to teaching students with learning difficulties and ADHD, identifying and ignoring extraneous information can be a significant challenge. These students often struggle to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details, which can hinder their understanding of new concepts. However, graphic organizers can be an effective tool in addressing this issue.

One of the primary reasons why graphic organizers are beneficial for students with LD and ADHD is that they minimize the stress on the working memory. Unlike introductory lectures or text introductions, graphic organizers present general ideas of a new concept alongside previously taught material, allowing students to better understand and link new information to their prior knowledge.

A second key idea behind the effectiveness of graphic organizers is that they serve as a bridge between new information and prior knowledge. By arranging main concepts or information in a spatial arrangement, these tools make it clear for students how facts or concepts are related. This can be especially useful when discussing relationships such as temporal, spatial, semantic, sequential, hierarchical, or comparative.

Lastly, graphic organizers make information extremely explicit and clear. By focusing on three big ideas – minimizing stress on the working memory, serving as a bridge between new and prior knowledge, and making information explicit and clear – teachers can utilize this tool to enhance learning outcomes for all students in the classroom, not just those with high-incidence disabilities.

In conclusion, graphic organizers are a powerful tool that can benefit everyone in the classroom. By leveraging their effectiveness, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Comparing two stories graphic organizer