The Framework Strategy

Aspect of Learning: Re-organization of Information

Strategy: The Framework Strategy

Underlying Principle: Learners who consciously think about information and structure it into a framework instead of trying to memorize it are more likely to understand it, store it in long-term memory, and retrieve it efficiently. Structuring can take different forms, such as concept maps and hierarchies, but it is the engagement with the relationship of ideas that promotes meaningful learning. This strategy provides modeling and practice.

How to Teach the Strategy: Frameworks are based on predictable patterns that may seem obvious to seasoned learners but are not so obvious to unsophisticated ones.
Argument Framework
-Use for courses based on argument, such as literature, psychology, history
-Explain that the course is based on the exploration of relationship of elements to the idea/arguments to the theme
- Develop, present, and handout a template of a graphic representation, such as a concept map, of the course and ask students to be able to access this easily (ie put in a page protector)
-briefly name and explain different labels/elements
-stress advantage of info being graphically presented on one page
-explore the main idea in terms of the elements in a systematic way

How to Incorporate the Strategy into Coursework:
-Refer to template when teaching a new element/argument

-Make chapter frameworks to relate new elements to chapter theme

-Refer to template when assigning writing tasks

-Have students expand the template as they learn different aspects of elements

-In-class quickie: reproduce the template (memory question)

-Assignment idea: have students make notes from the text or lecture in this format, based on headings and subheadings/points and ideas only/no sentences

-Assignment idea: ask students to provide their essays drafts in framework format, thus focusing on the ideas rather than on the wordig

- Exam idea: create a structure to explore any one of the elements (ie, identify and elaborate on six literary devices used in the short story)

Reference: Learning for Success: Skills and Strategies for Canadian Students: Joan Fleet, Fiona Goodchild, Richard Zajchowski (1994), pp 41-48.

Notes/Further Ideas: All handouts should be three-hole punched!