What Is Frayer Model?

Educational Technology

by Med Kharbach, PhD

Jun 4, 2024

In his recent article titled "What Is Frayer Model?" published on June 4, 2024, Med Kharbach, PhD, delves into the efficacy and implementation strategies of the Frayer Model, a graphic organizer renowned for its role in enhancing vocabulary instruction across diverse educational settings.

The Frayer Model, devised by Dorothy Frayer and her colleagues in 1969, serves as an instructional strategy aimed at fostering vocabulary acquisition. Kharbach elucidates its adaptability across pre-, during, and post-reading phases, facilitating students' engagement with new words, contextual comprehension, and post-reading evaluation. The model comprises a four-square chart encompassing essential components such as definition, characteristics, applications, and visuals, providing a structured framework for comprehensive word analysis.

The article outlines practical strategies for employing the Frayer Model effectively in the classroom, as recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. These strategies encompass meticulous word selection, clear delineation of instructional objectives, explicit modeling of the analytical process, scaffolded learning support, verification of student-generated definitions, encouragement of independent practice, and integration across disciplinary boundaries. By adopting these strategies, educators can foster active student participation, monitor progress, and ensure seamless integration of the Frayer Model into diverse instructional contexts.

Furthermore, Kharbach elucidates the manifold benefits of the Frayer Model, emphasizing its role in improving comprehension and retention, accommodating diverse learning needs, enhancing critical thinking skills, facilitating active learning, and fostering cross-curricular integration. Drawing on empirical evidence from studies by Dazzeo and Rao (2020), Bos and Anders (1990), and Wanjiru & O'Connor (2015), the article underscores the model's efficacy in promoting vocabulary acquisition and conceptual understanding across varied educational levels and subject areas.

To exemplify the Frayer Model's application, Kharbach provides an illustrative example elucidating the concept of photosynthesis. Through a systematic analysis encompassing characteristics, examples, non-examples, and personal and dictionary definitions, students gain a nuanced understanding of the term, reinforcing comprehension and retention.

In conclusion, Kharbach advocates for the integration of the Frayer Model into educators' instructional repertoire, underscoring its potential to enrich vocabulary instruction and enhance student learning outcomes. By leveraging this powerful instructional tool, educators can cultivate a dynamic learning environment conducive to vocabulary development, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com