Unit Two: Advance Organizer Basics
Overview and Purpose
In our Second unit we will look at what constitutes an advance organizer approach to designing instruction. By the close of this unit, you will be able to define and classify an advanced organizer approach to content design by describing its basic components and uses.
Primary Objective
Learners will be able to define and classify an advanced organizer approach to content design by describing its basic components.
Readings/Preparation
Download: KWL Chart
- On your copy of the chart, fill in the first 2 columns. Save your work; you will need it to complete the chart at the end of the unit.
Read: Unit 2 Content Guide
Watch: Video: Advance Organizers in the Classroom: Teaching Strategies and Advantages
Activities
1. Take the Quiz
After reading and watching the material provided for this unit, return to the video on Advance Organizers and take the Quiz. Simply click the Quiz tab above the video: Quiz
2. Evaluate a Lesson
Select a recent lesson or unit from a course you are currently teaching (or taught recently). Identify the lesson or topic being taught - what is the general subject area? What are the specific topics/concepts you are teaching? What is the learning goal(s)? Now, evaluate the lesson using what you know about the advance organizer approach. Are you providing lesson objectives that connect new knowledge with existing or familiar concepts? Are you relying on graphics, even through the use of icons or highlighted links to direct your learners to what is important? Gather all of the components you are already using OR notice the opportunities for doing so and write them down - you will come back to them later in the course.
3. Complete the KWL Chart & Discuss
Fill in the third column of the KWL chart provided at the start of the unit and discuss with the class. What surprised you? What questions remain?
References and Resources
Ogle, D. (1986). KWL: A Teaching Model that Develops Active Reading of Expository Text. The Reading Teacher, 39, 564-570. (chart)
Education Portal. (2012). Advance Organizers in the Classroom: Teaching Strategies and Advantages. Found at: http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/advanced-organizers-in-the-classroom-teaching-strategies-advantages.html
