Chapter 6

"Comprehension is the ability to derive meaning from text and requires students to mobilize strategies when they do not understand." I chose this quote because it seem like the most important reason for a graphic organizer, and that is to further a student's understanding of their learning. This activate comprehension strategies and metacognitive skills. The timing of any kind of instructional tool is important, and the same applies to the graphic organizer. They can activate prior knowledge, encourage brainstorming, record events in detail, or serve as a review of the topic. I personally like the idea of a graphic organizer, it will give the student a better outline of what they are about to read or to look for while reading.
I liked how the book said that, "These devices are important because they allow us to store information outside the body, because human beings are the only form of life that can store, organize, and retrieve data in locations other than our bodies." I never actually thought about it in that way. As i remember growing up, I suppose teachers didn't use the term graphic organizers or I just don't recall, but i know this would've been very effective for me if I used it more then. I can't recall doing graphic organizers before reading as much, and i think I would have payed more attention to the reading if so. So why don't teachers use graphic organizers that much, from the reading they seem to be very helpful for students. Anything that gets a child thinking about their own thinking is a wonderful tool.