Frayer Model
Updated 2026-08-22
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
The Frayer model is an instructional organiser that presents a concept in four quadrants: a definition, its essential characteristics, examples and non-examples. The core proposition is that a definition alone leaves a concept's boundaries vague, so comprehension requires knowing what the concept is not as well as what it is. The key qualification is that the quadrants must be filled with material that genuinely discriminates, since non-examples chosen carelessly teach a boundary that does not exist.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Fill Four Quadrants: write the definition, key characteristics, examples and non-examples for the concept. - Test The Boundary: use non-examples to check where the concept stops applying. - Compare Across Cases: place two concepts side by side to see which features actually discriminate.
Anchor fast decisions
A concept is learned as a rule for sorting instances, and a definition alone supplies only the positive side of that rule. Non-examples force the learner to identify the feature whose absence disqualifies a case, which is what makes the boundary explicit. Repeated sorting then strengthens the rule, so the concept becomes usable rather than merely recognisable.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedagogy_of_the_Oppressedverified
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