Research review supports effectiveness of Inspiration and Kidspiration Software^®

Research to support the use of specific teaching and learning techniques has long been a key part of every educator's decision - making process. Now, with the re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act, and its new requirements for research - based curriculum and products, research support is more critical than ever.

Kidspiration and Inspiration Software are used widely in schools across the country to accomplish curriculum goals using visual learning as implemented by the use of graphic organizers - concept maps, idea maps, and webs.

The Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education (IARE) at AEL has completed a research study entitled, "Graphic Organizers": A Review of Scientifically Based Research. In the report, twenty - nine studies were identified and evaluated as scientifically based research (SBR). The studies provided evidence in support of the instructional effectiveness of the use of graphic organizers.

Scientifically based research cited in the literature review demonstrates that a research base exists to support the use of graphic organizers for improving student learning and performance in the following areas:

• Reading comprehension
• Student achievement across grade levels, diverse student populations, and content areas
• Thinking and learning skills such as, organizing and communicating ideas, seeing patterns and relationships, and categorizing ideas
• Retention
  

The study also describes how the use of graphic organizers supports implementation of cognitive learning theories: dual coding theory, schema theory, and cognitive load theory.

To view and download these reports as PDF's, click the following: