Graphic Organizers for Inferring
Effect of Graphic Organizers on Making Reading Inferences
Ashley Brooks
Email: brooksa02@students.ecu.edu
Website: http://msbrooksslaresources.weebly.com
Phone: 919-848-0333
Abstract/Methodology from Action Research Project
The purpose of this study was to determine improvement with student’s ability to independently infer while using a graphic organizer. This single-group design study included five participants total. The intervention group utilized a graphic organizer while participating in book club discussions. Individual outcomes and group mean scores were calculated for pre and post treatment administrations. Correct inferences from individual graphic organizers were analyzed and individual and group means were calculated. Samples from weeks four through nine were evaluated due to independence with completing the graphic organizer. Data signified that when students' utilized their graphic organizer by identifying text clues to make a final inference, while using schema to support this final inference, positive growth was established when evaluating student performance.
Quantitative Findings/Results
QRI-5 Results - Pretest & Posttest
Graphic Organizer Group Mean Scores
Graphic Organizer Ordering
Treatment 1 = Text + Schema = Inference
Treatment 2= Text + Inference = Schema
Individual Child Graphic Organizer Results
Individual Graphic Organizer Inferences
Treatment 1:
Percentage of Correct Responses out of given number: 1. Text + 2. Schema = 3. Inference
Treatment 2:
Percentage of Correct Responses out of given number: 1. Text, 2. Final Inference, 3. Schema
Treatment 1 Treatment 2
Child 1= 85.7 / 87.5
Child 2 =57.1 / 92.9
Child 3= 66.7 / 81.3
Child 4= 50 / 75
Child 5= 57.1 / 75
What Educators Should Know
When the organizer was completed using text clues, forming an inference and then using schema to support their answers, the students displayed more proficient responses. This finding indicates that schema and prior knowledge are indeed important in the inferring process, but sometimes it acts to support or confirm thinking. The researcher found this to be a relevant uncovering as this wasn't an anticipated result.
The reason these findings are important for educators is for the purpose of:
1.Graphic organizers help students achieve independence with inferring.
2. Utilized as a tool for probing and analyzing student thinking and knowledge.
3. Graphic organizers can be used as a substitution for longer writing assignments, which aids toward student achievement with certain populations of students.
4. They could greatly benefit many students such as: struggling learners, students who are identified as learning disabled or who require specially designed instruction for other learning needs, English Language Learners, and many other school aged children.
5. The key to making these tools beneficial for students is to design and modify them to meet the unique learning styles of the students that will be utilizing them. Modifications and adjustments are simplistic and easy to implement. It didn't affect student learning in a negative way, only aiding in their ability to independently use and complete the inferring graphic organizer.
By employing these strategies, teachers are better able to meet reading standards, while having an alternative to the stereotypical formal assessment.
Resources You Will Need
2. Copies of Prediction Graphic Organizers - if you are adding this component as a pre-reading activity.
3. Selected Book
For Replicating this Study, You Will Also Need:
4. Spiraled notebooks for each student in the group
5. Glue Sticks
6. Scissors
* If you are using this in a guided reading group or during book club discussions, you can glue them into a notebook, which was what I did. I had the prediction graphic organizer on one side of the paper, and their inferring graphic organizer on the other side. This made for an easy transitioning process between the activities.
Watch This Lesson!
Making Inferences To Read Between the Lines - Informational Texts
Tips on what you should do when students make illogical inferences (when their prior knowledge is taken too far).
Reading Rockets Lessons for Inferring Across the Curriculum
Look at all it has to offer!!!
*How to teach inference
* Examples for: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies
* Differentiated instruction
* Children's books to use with this strategy
Additionally, it has 3 videos to view!
2nd-4th Grade Graphic Organizer
I recommend monitoring when implementing due to the ordering.
3rd-5th Grade Graphic Organizer
5th- 8th Grade Graphic Organizer
10 Types of Inferences
Activities/Tips for Parents
Brain Pop: Games for Inferring
https://jr.brainpop.com/readingandwriting/comprehension/makeinferences/preview.wemlPBS: Inferring & Predicting Detective Game
All auditory! Great for struggling readers!
Tons of Activities for Parents to View - GREAT FOR TEACHERS TOO!
https://readingstrategiesthatwork.wikispaces.com/Making+Inferences+Strategies