Structuring and Classifying

In order to process a topic, it is recommendable to clearly structure it. Many topics include a number of more specific sub-topics related with each other in a close or wider connection. For this reason, you need an overview which information correspond to which field of the topic or to which sub-topic. New information may then be integrated easier and faster in this overview or contribute to it.

For acquiring an overview of a topic, there are different didactically appropriate techniques, such as the following:

Breakdown

A clear breakdown of the topic may assist in systematically structuring the contents. In that way, main and sub-points are defined in order to illustrate the logic structure of the topic.

Visualization

By the application of visual auxiliaries, such as diagrams, graphics or tables, the structure of a topic may be presented in vivid way. This facilitates the understanding and the organization of information.

Chart

Charts, like flowcharts or timelines for example, are particularly appropriate for topics with a chronological or procedural structure. Those assist in a better understanding of the process and the contexts.

Mind map