What are Frayer Models?
Frayer Models are an organised and visual way to understand and remember new terms or concepts. They provide a structured framework to explore the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples of any topic you want to master. By engaging different parts of your brain, Frayer Models enhance your understanding and memory retention.
In my own teaching and when time allows, I tend to use Frayer Models occasionally with students when introducing a new complex word or term. Although the physics terminology might be second nature to a physics teacher who uses subject specific keywords or phrases every day, the same cannot be said for a school student who visits many different subjects over the course of a school week. This shouldn't be overlooked when starting new topics. They could equally be used as revision tasks at the end of a topic.
How Do They Work?
Below we will break down the four sections that would normally appear on your Frayer Model.
Section 1: Definition
The first section of the Frayer Model is where you jot down the concise and clear meaning of the term or concept you're studying. Think of it as the "core" of the model – the central idea you want to understand.
Section 2: Characteristics/Diagram
Moving on to the second part, you'll outline the essential attributes or characteristics of the term. This could involve creating a diagram, chart, or illustration that visually represents the concept. It's like painting a picture of what the term is all about!
Section 3: Examples
In the third section, you'll provide real-life examples that demonstrate how the term is used or what it represents. These examples bring life to the concept and help you see it in action.
Section 4: Non-Examples
Finally, in the last section, you'll list things that may seem similar to the term but are not quite the same. Identifying non-examples helps to clarify the boundaries and distinctions of the concept, preventing confusion and misconceptions.
Examples in Physics
Now, let's see how Frayer Models can help you conquer a tricky physics term – let’s go with ‘momentum’ from the Higher Physics course.
Word/Term: Start by writing the keyword/term in the centre of the page. In this case, we would write “Momentum”.
Definition: In this section, we could write “Momentum is the product of an object’s mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity and is measured in kg m/s." This relates to the relationship between momentum, mass and velocity, which is the equation for momentum.
Characteristics/Diagram: Here, you could draw a vector arrow pointing to the right above a moving object (such as a car) to represent the positive momentum direction. Alongside the arrow, write "p = mv," which stands for momentum (p) equals mass (m) times velocity (v). You could then draw an arrow going to the left above a car, representing the negative momentum direction, and write
“p = -mv”. This visual representation emphasises the link between mass, velocity, and momentum, and the importance of direction. In Higher Physics, we tend to define objects moving to the right as having positive velocity and objects moving to the left as having negative velocity.
Examples: Populate this section with real-life examples of momentum, such as a speeding bullet, a swiftly rolling bowling ball hitting the pins, two cars colliding or a running rugby player colliding with another player. Each example showcases how momentum plays a vital role in the object’s motion.
Non-Examples: To clarify what momentum is not, include non-examples such as any stationary object (zero velocity), e.g. a person, car or ball at rest. You could also argue that photons (particles of light) have zero mass, yet they have momentum, so these must be an exception to the rule. This step prevents confusion with objects that do not possess momentum.
Putting all of this together, our Frayer Model would look something like the following:
If you're feeling creative, note that you don't have to stick to the four sections outlined above. For example, in Section 2, you could have students using the word or term in a sentence, or listing facts about the topic instead. For more of a physics twist, you could replace Section 4 with a worked example/problem section, where students have to create their own question and show how to answer it using an equation they have learned. In our earlier example, this could be showing how to use the "p = mv" equation in a calculation. See below for some more examples in physics. The first is for the word 'orbit' by Reading for Learning (Frayer Model for Science Vocabulary – Reading for Learning) and is the same as the structure outlined above, the second is for the word 'conduction' by Anya97 on TES (Science Frayer Models | Teaching Resources (tes.com)) and uses the sentence idea instead of non-examples, and the third uses a worked problem for the term 'net force' i.e. unbalanced force by Shannon Thorne-Brackett on Pinterest (Pin page (pinterest.co.uk)).
Remember, the Frayer Model can be used for any subject, not just physics!
Here are some blank templates in case you want to create your own Frayer Models:
Benefits of Frayer Models
Frayer Models might seem simple, but they pack a powerful punch! Here's why they can level up your learning game:
Deeper Understanding: By dissecting a concept into its core elements, you gain a more profound understanding of its meaning and context.
Visualisation: Creating diagrams and visual representations help you grasp abstract concepts by linking them to tangible images.
Connections: Relating examples to a term reinforces your memory and helps you apply the concept to different situations.
Reduced Confusion: Identifying non-examples clears up misconceptions and ensures you have a precise understanding of the concept.
Critical Thinking: Frayer Models encourage you to engage in critical thinking by requiring you to differentiate between what a concept is and what it is not, as well as to identify relevant characteristics and examples. This process deepens your analytical skills and helps you approach topics more thoughtfully.
Conclusion
No matter the subject, Frayer Models simplify complex concepts, making them easier to understand and retain. They foster active engagement, encourage critical thinking, and transform learning into a more effective and enjoyable experience. With these diagrams, your educational journey becomes more manageable and enriching.
Source: ESC Region 13 (YouTube)
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