Unravelling the tangled ball of learning using frames

Anne Isaac

In the world we inhabit, frames serve as the boundaries that shape our experiences. They hold our precious memories in place, like the photographs encased in glass. They support our vision, much like the frames that cradle our lenses. They define our spaces, as the sturdy frames of doors and windows that enclose our homes. They even shape the way we see the world, as our frames of mind determine how we perceive reality. And just as frames give structure to our photographs and our thoughts, they can also provide a framework for understanding complex educational concepts, helping us see how different ideas and disciplines fit together.

Think of them like the skeleton of a building. It’s the glue that holds the building together. In school, frames can help children organize their thoughts and connect new ideas with old ones. It’s like building a huge castle, brick by brick.

The concept of frames offers a promising solution. These cognitive structures, similar to architectural blueprints, provide a skeletal framework for organizing information. By understanding and effectively employing frames, educators can transform their classrooms into dynamic spaces where learning is not just acquired, but deeply comprehended.

This project of using frames for teaching, if planned well with all subject teachers of a class coming together, might take a month, but can become a helpful pedagogical tool for both students and teachers over time. I have taken examples from across grades – the idea being that frames are cognitive organizers, conceptual scaffolds that provide a structured overview of a topic. In education, frames serve as blueprints for knowledge, helping students visualize, comprehend, and retain information.

Let’s begin by creating a frame for a familiar concept: the novel.

• Genre: Fiction
• Elements: Plot, characters, setting, theme, conflict, resolution
• Purpose: Entertainment, education, character development
• Structure: Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

This simple frame demonstrates how a complex entity like a novel can be broken down into manageable components. By understanding these components, students can better analyze and appreciate literary works.

Let’s make it simpler and think about a story. Every story has a beginning, middle, and end, right? That’s a frame! Let’s break down a simple story: ‘The big red dog chased the small white cat quickly up the tall tree. The cat meowed sadly. Soon, a little boy came along and rescued the cat!’ See how each part has a job to do? That’s like the bricks in our ‘story house’.

Activity time

Now, it’s time for you to be the architect of your own story house! Here’s a template to help you frame different types of stories,

• Genre: (Choose your genre: adventure, mystery, fantasy, etc.)
• Setting frame: Where does your story take place? (e.g., a haunted castle, a bustling city, a magical forest)
• Character frame: Who are your main characters? (e.g., a brave knight, a clever detective, a mischievous fairy)
• Plot frame: What’s the main problem or conflict? (e.g., a treasure to find, a mystery to solve, a dragon to defeat)
• Climax frame: What’s the most exciting part? (e.g., the final battle, the big revelation, the magical transformation)
• Resolution frame: How does your story end? (e.g., happily ever after, the mystery is solved, the world is saved)

Let’s create a story together!

Choose your genre and fill in the frames to build your story:

• Spooky tale template: Frame it with a dark and stormy night, a creaky old house, and a mysterious character.
• Funny story template: Frame it with a silly situation, unexpected twists, and a laugh-out-loud ending.
• Adventure story template: Frame it with an exotic location, a daring quest, and a hero’s triumph.

Inspecting our story houses

Just like real houses need inspections, our stories do too! As we inspect our story houses, check if you’ve used your grammar bricks correctly. And remember, building is a team effort! Let’s help each other strengthen our stories, making sure each part fits perfectly into the overall frame.

Let’s review our story:

• Foundation frame: Does your story have a strong beginning that sets the stage?
• Structure frame: Does the plot build up to an exciting climax?
• Roof frame: Does the story have a satisfying ending that ties everything together?

Remember, our frames are like blueprints, guiding us as we build our written creations. By guiding students through these steps, they not only create their own stories but also understand how the components work together to form a cohesive narrative.

Frames excel at simplifying complex ideas.

Frames are not static structures; they evolve as our understanding deepens. To tackle complex topics, we need to construct more elaborate frames.

Let’s look at an example in science.

Frame 1: The food chain framework

• Data provided: Information about producers, consumers, and decomposers.
• What needs to be found out: How energy flows through a simple food chain.

Activity:

1. Identify the roles of producers (e.g., plants), primary consumers (e.g., herbivores), secondary consumers (e.g., carnivores), and decomposers.
2. Explain how energy is transferred from one level to the next.
3. Create a visual representation of a food chain.
4. Discuss the importance of each level in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Frame 2: The food web framework

• Data provided: Multiple interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.
• What needs to be found out: How species within an ecosystem are interdependent.

Activity:

1. Illustrate how different food chains in an ecosystem interconnect to form a food web.
2. Analyze the impact of removing one species from the food web.
3. Discuss the concept of interdependence among species.
4. Create a visual representation of a food web and highlight key interconnections.

Frame 3: The energy flow framework

• Data provided: Information on energy transfer, energy pyramids, and energy loss.
• What needs to be found out: How energy flows through different levels of an ecosystem.

Activity:

1. Explain the concept of energy transfer from producers to various levels of consumers.
2. Illustrate the structure of an energy pyramid, showing how energy diminishes at each level.
3. Discuss the reasons for energy loss as it moves up the pyramid.
4. Visualize the flow of energy through an entire ecosystem.

Frame 4: The human impact framework

• Data provided: Examples of human activities affecting ecosystems, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
• What needs to be found out: How human activities influence ecosystems and what can be done to mitigate negative impacts.

Activity:

1. Identify human activities that negatively impact ecosystems.
2. Explore specific case studies illustrating the effects of these activities.
3. Analyze the long-term consequences of human actions on ecosystems.
4. Brainstorm and propose solutions for mitigating human impact and protecting ecosystems.

Interconnectedness through frames

Once you have created frames for different subjects, explore how they overlap. A historical event can be analyzed through the lens of science, geography, economics, and politics. A scientific experiment can be linked to mathematical calculations and language-based data analysis. Such cross-disciplinary approaches not only deepen student understanding, but also prepare them for real-world problem-solving.

Let’s dive into a comprehensive example interconnecting geography, economics, and political science.

The Green Revolution: a story of India’s farms

Imagine India before the Green Revolution. Farms were small, tools were simple, and hunger was a constant worry. But then came a big change. Farmers started using new seeds that grew faster and taller, and they learned to water their fields better. It was like magic! Crops grew bigger, and there was more food for everyone.

But this magic trick wasn’t the same everywhere. Some places had lots of water, while others were dry. Some farmers had big lands, while others had tiny plots. And the government played a big role too, deciding who got what and how much.

Let’s break it down:

The Green Revolution: a story of India’s farms – framed

Imagine India’s farms as a puzzle. Each piece represents a different aspect of the Green Revolution. Now, let’s tell the story using these frames:

Frame 1 – Science: Plant breeders developed high-yielding crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases. Activity: Soil testing: Have students test different types of soil to understand the importance of nutrient-rich soil for crop growth. Field trip: Visit a local farm to observe agricultural practices and learn about the challenges faced by farmers.

Frame 2 – Geography: Some places are flat with lots of rain, while others are hilly and dry. Activity: Map analysis: Analyze maps of India to identify regions with different climatic and geographical conditions.

Frame 3 – Economics: New seeds and better ways to farm cost money. Some farmers had money to try new things, while others couldn’t afford it. Activity: Market analysis: Analyze the market for agricultural products to understand factors affecting prices.

Frame 4 – Political science: The government helped by giving farmers money and advice. They built canals to bring water to the fields and made new roads to get crops to the cities. Activity: Case study: Analyze a government initiative to promote agricultural modernization. Policy analysis: Have students evaluate the effectiveness of specific agricultural policies.

Putting it all together

The Green Revolution was about more than just bigger farms. It changed how people lived and worked. It made some people rich, while others struggled. It helped feed more people, but also changed the land. Understanding all these parts helps us see the whole picture.

So, the next time you eat a full meal, remember the farmers who worked hard to put food on your plate. And remember, the story of their success is also a story of challenges and choices.

Teachers can continue the narrative, incorporating the frames as they go forward.

• Because of India’s diverse geography (Frame 2), farmers in different parts of the country faced unique challenges and opportunities. While those in the fertile plains benefited greatly from the new seeds, farmers in hilly regions struggled with limited water resources.
• The economics of farming changed dramatically (Frame 3). While some farmers became more prosperous, others were caught in a cycle of debt due to the high costs of new technologies.

Student-led frames: a framework for learning

By creating their own frameworks, students become active participants in the learning process. Instead of passively receiving information, students actively construct their knowledge through exploration, inquiry, and critical thinking. This approach fosters a sense of ownership, engagement, and deeper understanding of the material.

Activity: Student-led frame creation

Assign students a complex topic, such as climate change. In groups, they will develop frames that outline causes, effects, potential solutions, and personal actions.

To guide their work and enhance peer interaction, provide a template with cue questions like:

• What are the key causes of this issue?
• How do these causes interconnect?
• What are the immediate and long-term effects?
• What solutions have been proposed or implemented?
• How can individuals contribute to addressing this issue?

This collaborative activity not only promotes content mastery and problem-solving skills but also fosters meaningful peer feedback as students discuss and refine their frames together.

Activity: Frame reflection

Dedicate time for students to reflect on the effectiveness of the frames they’ve created. Use a structured template with cue questions to facilitate this reflection:

• What worked well in your frame?
• Were there any gaps or areas that need improvement?
• How did peer feedback help you improve your frame?

Encourage students to share their frames with peers and provide constructive feedback. This meta-cognitive process, combined with peer interaction, strengthens their frame-building skills and enhances their understanding of the content.

Consistent use of frames is essential for maximizing their impact. Embed frame creation and analysis into your regular teaching routine.

Conclusion

Frames are not merely organizational tools; they are catalysts for deeper learning. By providing structure, promoting critical thinking, and fostering student engagement, frames can transform your classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Remember, the most effective frames are those that are co-constructed by teachers and students. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of frames to create tailored learning experiences for your students.

The author is a seasoned educator with over 23 years of experience in teaching, school administration, curriculum development, and faculty management. She is, at present, an associate consultant with Education Mentoring India. She can be reached at isaacanne163@gmail.com.

Poster for this project

How many different kinds of frames do you spot?