Frameworks are visual and pithy ways to visualize information. They make it easier for students to recall information. Here’s a sample collection of framework types organized by format.

Acronyms

Examples

Description

S.M.A.R.T

Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound: 5 traits of a well-designed goal

S.U.C.C.E.S.

Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible Emotional, Stories: from Made to Stick, to remember traits of good storytelling

B.E.D.M.A.S

Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement: a negotiator’s position if they reach impasse

P.E.M.D.A.S

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract: order of operations in mathematics

Graphs

Examples

Description

Distribution curve: Outlines the expected distribution of statistics.

J-Curve: Demonstrates a loss in value in the short-term and growth in the long term.

Hockey stick: Often used to show exponential growth after a long period of slow/no growth.

Shapes

Examples

Description

Concentric circles: A core idea or focus, within a greater context.

Hub and Spoke: When a central idea has contributing ideas or factors that aren’t dependent on one another.

Pyramid: Knowledge or ability that can be built upon.

Venn diagram: Demonstrates how different concepts are similar and dissimilar

Hierarchy: Demonstrates structure and dependency between factors.

Steps: Shows a linear sequence

Flywheel: Shows how actions/outcomes fuel further action

Canvas: Visualizes complexity

in a concise, single view

Matrix: A grid that demonstrates 2 intersecting spectrums, usually a 2x2 or 3x3

Triangle: Demonstrates the relationship between 3 traits


Additional resources

💡Pro tip: Google Slides and Microsoft Powerpoint have pre-built diagrams. Check out these videos:

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