Designing and Using Graphic Organizers Effectively

Description

Graphic organizers are one of the most research-supported tools in a teacher's instructional toolkit, but they're also one of the most frequently misused. When reduced to fill-in-the-blank busywork, they add little value—but when designed with intention, they leverage the power of dual coding and nonlinguistic representation to strengthen comprehension, retention, and higher-order thinking. This session draws on Marzano's research to help participants understand why graphic organizers work—and how to design and use them in ways that actually support instruction. Participants will explore a range of organizer types, examine examples of purposeful versus superficial use, and leave with a set of classroom-ready designs they can adapt or implement immediately in any content area and grade level.

Get Started Now!

A Message from the Moderators

This page gives you everything you need to make the most of your session. Review the recommended accounts before you join, track your checkpoints during the session, and follow the certificate instructions when you're done.

Before You Begin

You will have the best live technical experience using either the Chrome or Firefox browser. (Note: we have also had success with the Edge browser.) Safari is NOT recommended. There is a TrainerCentral Learner app for Android and iOS.
Your lead facilitator recommends having a few items ready before the session begins. Taking a few minutes to set these up in advance means you'll spend your time learning, not troubleshooting.

Participants using mobile devices may want to download the Padlet App from the iTunes or Google stores.

Session Checkpoints

Checkpoints help us verify your participation and are required to earn a certificate of completion. Here's what to expect during the session:

Checkpoint 1 — Say Hello
Introduce yourself in the chat within the first 10 minutes of the session.

Checkpoint 2 — Schema Activator
Participate in the opening poll or activity.

Checkpoint 3 — [Placeholder]
[Description]

Checkpoint 4 — [Placeholder]
[Description]

Checkpoint 5 — [Placeholder]
[Description]

Checkpoint 6 — Poll and Go
Complete the closing poll before you leave.

If you experience technical difficulties during the session, most checkpoints can be completed up to one week after the live session date. Reach out to your facilitator if you need assistance.

Earning Your Certificate

To receive your certificate of completion you must complete all six session checkpoints and submit the post-session feedback survey. The feedback survey is how you request your certificate and is required for all participants — including those seeking state continuing education credit.

Certificates are typically issued within three weeks of the live session date.

Educators in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Montana: Additional information required for state continuing education credit will be collected through the feedback survey.