UNIT 2- What are some examples of advance organizers and how can they be used?

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Review of Unit 1

In Unit 1, you learned that advance organizers are an instructional unit that is used before direct instruction, or before a new topic; this is sometimes called a hook, set induction, or anticipatory set.

In Unit 2, you will be presented with various types of advance organizers and examples of how to use them.

What are some examples of advance organizers?

Advance organizers can present themselves in a plethora of ways. These can include anything from skimming the reading material to the use of graphic organizers.

1. Narrative

2. Expository

3. Skimming

4. Graphic Organizers

5. KWL Chart


This type of advance organizer presents new information in the format of a story. For example, a teacher will provide the main and important concepts of the lesson by telling a story that includes these concepts.


This type of advance organizer is used to present new or detailed information as oppposed to making connections with previously introduced information.


Skimming is when the teacher provides the learners with the opportunity to skim over the information that is about to be introduced, focusing on highlighted information (headings).

Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers are used as a method of presenting information in the visual realm. They are efficient because they highlight and focus on just the important aspects and they also show relationships between necessary information. Graphic Organizers take on a plethora of avenues and looks, but the two most utilized are Venn Diagrams and Concept Mapping.

Here is an example of a Venn Diagram used to show relationships


Here is an example of a concept map using only graphics


KWL Chart

A KWL chart is a type of advance organizer that can be used at any age and for any subject matter. This particular chart has three steps:

1. What the learner already knows about the subject matter

2. What the learner wants to know about the subject matter

3. What the learner learned

The first two steps take place before instruction. These steps allow the teacher to activate prior knowledge and get the students to ask questions and be active particpants. The third step is the last step of instruction, the culmination of the lesson. Through this step, the learners reflect on what they learned and if their questions were answered.

Below is an example of what a KWL chart looks like.


Videos of advance organizers being used- under construction

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Unit 2 Activity

1. Reflect upon what you learned about advance organizers. Go back to the introduction activity; was what you already knew accurate? Were your questions answered?

Go to UNIT 3- Culimating Activities

Go back to Advance Organizers