Structure or no structure???

I do realize that Graphic Organizers (GOs) are often associated with younger kids, and some would argue that they are too rigid as knowledge organizers. There may be some truth in that, but then please recognize their value in helping to provide structure to a learning experience.

Especially as we explore the use of concept mapping and mind mapping in education, I note that one of the weaknesses in the use of concept mapping or mind mapping is the lack of structure and lack of trained ability to organize thoughts. That in itself is a major contributor to failure and frustration in the deploymnt of concept/mind mapping -- which is why when I have used Inspiration 7.6 as a concept mapping tool, I have always appreciated the templates which can be found there. They provide the structure upon which knowledge and information can be fitted, and often help define the relationships between the different parts of the whole.