Graphic Organisers

Effective revision involves you being active, not just reading your notes or highlighting text (these two techniques have a very low impact on your learning and retention). Graphic organisers are a useful way of revising as they involve you making meaningful links and connections.

What are the different graphic organisers that can be used in geography revision?

1. Ranking ladder
   The ranking ladder can be used to prioritise or rank ideas and information. It can also be used for topics with a series of stages or steps. It is suitable when there is a clear beginning and end.
   

   Ranking ladder

   How can I use this in geography?
   The formation of an oxbow lake, changes in the course of a river from source to mouth, the erosion of a headland, a natural hazard case study, the formation of a waterfall, the water cycle.

2. Venn diagram
   The double Venn is a simple and highly effective model for examining the similarities and differences between two items. It is also easy to extend the Venn diagram to three features.
   

   Venn diagram

   How can I use this in geography?
   Economic/social effects of natural hazards, features of coastal erosion, social/economic/environmental impacts of deforestation/desertification.

3. Sequence chart
   When a topic involves a sequence of events this organiser can be helpful. It is particularly useful when processes/formations need to be put in order and remembered.
   

   Sequence chart

   How can I use this in geography?
   Rock cycle, water cycle, formation of a river/coastal/glacial feature, weathering – freeze-thaw action, mass movement, economic decline.

4. Decision matrix
   A decision matrix can be used to identify a choice, its advantages and disadvantages, and a decision.
   

   Decision matrix

   How can I use this in geography?
   Reviewing the impact of a management strategy e.g. coastal defences/rainforest management/urban redevelopment/impacts of tourism/decision-making exercise.

5. Fishbone
   Fishbone diagrams allow you to explore many aspects or effects of a complex topic, helping you to organise your thoughts in a simple, visual way.
   

   Fishbone diagram

   How can I use this in geography?
   Fishbone diagrams are ideal for summarising the key aspects of a topic. They can also be used to identify cause and effect.

6. Multiple causes and effects
   You can use a multiple causes and multiple effects diagram to identify what happened (effects) and why it happened (causes).
   

   Multiple causes and multiple effects diagram

   How can I use this in geography?
   Processes of erosion, mass movement, migration.

7. Multiple causes and one effect
   You can use a multiple causes and one effect diagram to identify what happened (effect) and why it happened (causes).
   

   Multiple causes and one effect

   How can I use this in geography?
   Causes of climate change, deforestation, migration.

8. One cause multiple effects
   You can use a one cause and multiple effects diagram to identify one cause and the multiple effects of the cause.
   

   One cause multiple effects

   How can I use this in geography?
   Deforestation, management schemes.

9. Five Ws chart
   You can use a 5 Ws chart to identify who, what, where, when, and why. You can also throw in So what, to assess impacts.
   

   Five Ws

   How can I use this in geography?
   Case studies

10. Classification chart
    You can use a classification chart to classify, categorize, or sort information.
    

    Classification chart

    How can I use this in geography?
    Development indicators, processes e.g. erosion, transportation and deposition.

Moving forward

Attempt to use a range of methods above. Review the degree to which they help with your learning/revision.