Just a quick post to expand the idea of "what diagrams" for those that teach. In writing the post on visual architecture I reflected back on my experience teaching night classes on computer networking at the university. I have a few ideas to share but hope this will not only give you some ideas but motivate you to share what you do with all of us as well.

THE "BRANSON 5 TIME RULE"

Throughout my teaching I liked to refer to the "Branson 5 Time Rule." This rule states that it takes about 5 exposures to a term to begin to be comfortable with it. I would mention that frequently in my networking classes because they were loaded with jargon and acronyms that would intimidate the students and block their learning. I think this helped them to relax and let themselves gradually learn, knowing that we would talk about it again at least five more times in the class and each time they would gain greater familiarity with it, how it is used, what it connects to, and so forth.

GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO HOOK ON TO

So what does this have to do with "what diagrams," you ask? Good question. "What diagrams" can provide a place for students to hook terms and concepts. A good visual can act as a mnemonic or "memory aiding"  tool. A good visual is even more effective if it combines words with the picture.

For example, in networking classes I used the International Standards Organization's Open Systems Interconnect reference model. It is a tall rectangle with seven layers starting at the bottom. Each layer has a name and a set of functions it performs. I found that by teaching the model well and having the students commit the model to memory I could relate almost everything we discussed to a layer or layers on the model. Understanding the model also provided the basis for understanding how networks function. I would come back to the model many times in each class. By the end of the semester these students were pros with the model. I found later that they continued to use the model to isolate and repair some of the most complex and vexing network problems they later encountered in their jobs. 

THE PRINCIPLE

So the principle here is to find a "what" diagram or visual aid that can form the basis for a topic and can carry you and your students through the class as I did with the ISO OSI model. 

I'm very interested to hear about your experiences. Do you have a picture you use personally in your life? How about one that you have found valuable in your teaching? Please take a few moments and share with us. I'd love to get a good discussion going on this important topic.