Linear and graphic advance organizers : properties and processing

For several decades, it has been theorized that advance organizers facilitate learning from text. Although empirical results have been equivocal, this does not signal the end of advance organizer research; rather, it highlights a need for researchers to elucidate the characteristics of effective advance organizers. Consequently, this paper describes 2 main types of advance organizers found in the current literature (linear and graphic advance organizers) and the different properties of these organizers that may effect information processing, and hence learning and performance outcomes. It is proposed that advance organizers, previously confined to educational environments, be used in manuals and other instructions for devices when consumers or novices require help in quickly learning about the functions of new technology