Open+Mind+Diagram

Open Mind Diagram by Kohei Shimizu

Leaning how to work with other students is one of the most important things for the students to learn at school. Learning and working together (cooperative learning) is one of the best ways for the students to learn different materials, however, some people are shy. Therefore, it is important for teachers to know how they can encourage EVERY student to participate. Open Mind Diagram will help teachers keep track of how much each student has contributed.

__//What is an Open Mind Diagram?//__
Students will form a small group (three to five) and each group will get a poster paper. Each student in the group will have different colored markers (ie. If the group contains four members, they will need four different colored markers). Students will draw a shape of a head on the poster paper, and write words, quotes from the story, or any questions that they have from the story that they read.

__Why is this an SDAIE Strategy?__
Open Mind Diagram is an example of SDAIE strategy because this will help the students learn the contents easier by using this strategy. This strategy is not only helpful for English Language learners, but it is beneficial for any students. By using this strategy, the students will also learn the importance of working together as a group in a small-group setting environment.

__//Purpose/Benefits of Open Mind Diagrams//__
Not only the teacher but the students will also be able to identify who has contributed what within the group. This will help the students to encourage each other to participate more if one hasn't written anything on the poster paper. Teacher can let the students know that this activity is just a "first step" before they write a summary/sentences/story in order to reduce the pressure that the students may get.

//__When to use?__//
-Open Mind Diagram can be used during cooperating learning (or small group setting), especially when the teacher wants every single student to participate. -If students are preparing for a group project, the students can use Open Mind Diagram to collect and organize data/information on a poster paper. -This strategy is appropriate for any kind of students, including English Language learners, gifted students, and general education students. -In other words, this SDAIE strategy is appropriate for all levels of CELDT levels.


 * When each group is working on their Open Mind Diagram, the teacher can go around the room and assess the students how well they are doing. The ultimate goal for the teacher is to create en environment where every student feels comfortable sharing what they have to say. The teacher should expect the students to use more BICS than CALPS during discussion time.

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Example of Open Mind Diagram on "Benjamin Franklin"