4 Essential Graphic Organisers to Transform MYP Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Graphic organisers are powerful tools in the classroom, especially in mathematics, where they bring clarity to complex ideas, encourage critical thinking, and make learning more visible. These organisers take many forms, each with unique benefits. They can outline processes, deepen understanding, showcase the thinking process, guide inquiry, and enhance the overall learning journey.

In this post, we'll explore four graphic organisers that can enrich each of the MYP mathematics objectives—whether used to develop essential skills or to assess student progress.

Objective A: Knowing and Understanding with a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram can be used in many ways, for example to compare and contrast concepts or to categorise properties. In this example you can see how it could be used to challenge students to demonstrate their understanding by creating examples which fit in each overlapping or distinct section. Within certain topics, students will encounter areas that can’t be completed (e.g. a number which is both a factor of 15 and an even number), and then they can be challenged to justify why it can't be satisfied — this encourages critical thinking.

Objective B: Investigating Patterns with a Concept Map

While tables can be useful when organising results in order to spot patterns, a concept map is particularly valuable when justifying rules. Students often need to draw on prior knowledge to understand why certain formulas or rules hold true. For example, understanding similar triangles is key to grasping why the ratio between the opposite and hypotenuse sides of a 30-degree right triangle is always 1:2, regardless of length. Building a concept map together at the start of a unit, and adding to it as new connections arise, helps solidify these ideas, making it a highly interactive and reflective learning tool.

Objective C: Communicating with a Frayer Model

The Frayer model is perfect for unpacking new vocabulary, making it an ideal choice for objective C. Its “non-examples” section helps clarify common misconceptions, while the “characteristics” section can reinforce correct representations and notations. A collection of Frayer models can even serve as a “word wall,” helping students refer back to critical vocabulary and concepts as they progress through the course.

Objective D: Applying Mathematics to Real-Life Examples with a Flow Chart

In criterion D, strand ii, students are required to "select adequate mathematical strategies to model the authentic real-life situation" - if they don't identify the appropriate approach, they are unlikely to solve the problem effectively or efficiently. A flow chart is a useful organiser here, especially for units with a large amount of content. When students create their own flow charts, they’re forced to think critically about each concept’s purpose and relevance, learning to categorise when and why one approach may be more effective than another.

These four graphic organisers are just the beginning and so many more can be used to enhance the learning experience and empower our students.

Have you tried any other graphic organisers in your MYP mathematics classroom? Share your favourites in the comments or with us on social media—let’s learn from each other!