Graphic Organizers

I have learned over the years that there is only one way I will be able to retain information,


and this is by seeing it with my own eyes. I am a visual learner. When I have an idea and / or am trying

to stick something to memory, jotting it down it down in an organized fashion is the only way I will be

able to recall the information at a later date. This brings me to Graphic Organizers: the easiet way for

a visual learner like myself to express ideas. These organizers have several advantages in the classroom. They

are a way for students to see and think about information in a create way. I think I can speak for many when I say

that constantly writing sentences, paragraphs, essays and reports gets old. It's easy for students to get frustrated

when trying to come up with ideas that fit a given topic. With graphic organizers, students are able to focus on the

connections between the information and its content.

Although graphic organizers are helpful for most students, I believe that teachers need to take a

auditory approach to the information as well. By just going over the organizers with the students gives them

a visual representation as well as an auditory explanation.

Since every student learns a different way, graphic organizers may be confusing. If constructed the wrong

way, the organizer may not allow students to report all the information that is needed. This brings me to my question.



Is it a good or bad idea to allow the students to construct the graphic organizers?

(or)

Is it better for the teacher construct the model, provide the information and allow the students to copy it?