Contextualization
Flowcharts are diagrams that represent the flow of processes, systems, or procedures, and are a great tool to understand, interpret, and improve complex processes. They simplify and organize the information, making it more accessible and easier to understand. Furthermore, they are used in several areas, like computer science, industry, and even in hospitals to describe internal processes.
In this section, we will present the key concepts for the comprehension of flowcharts: elements of a flowchart, types of flowcharts, how to create a flowchart, and how to interpret it. Moreover, we will approach the application of flowcharts in the real world, bringing practical examples and everyday situations.
Introduction
Flowcharts are formed by diverse elements, like decisions (represented by diamonds), processes (represented by rectangles), and the flow (represented by arrows), each one with a meaning and a function. The flowchart can be very simple, representing an everyday routine, like the morning routine, or very complex, representing the process of an industry.
There are several types of flowcharts: process, work, data, among others. Each one of them has a purpose and is adequate for different situations. The process flowchart, for example, is useful to visualize a process from beginning to end, while the work flowchart is good to visualize the tasks and responsibilities of a team.
To create a flowchart, it is necessary to identify the process, raise all the steps, decisions, and results, organize this information in a logical way and in sequence, and finally, draw the diagram. To interpret it, it is necessary to follow the flow (arrows) and, at each step or decision, verify what must be done.
Importance of Flowcharts and their Applications
Flowcharts are immensely important, both in professional and personal life. They help simplify complex processes, easing the communication and the visualization of all the steps of a process. Moreover, they are useful to identify problems or possible improvements in a process.
In everyday life, we can use flowcharts to plan a trip, organize a study routine, or even to decide what to do on the weekend. At work, they are used to represent and improve processes, activities, and systems.
The sources we indicate to deepen the knowledge in flowcharts are:
- What is a Flowchart? - Lucidchart
- Flowchart: what it is and how to do it - Voitto
- How to make a Process Flowchart? - Heflo
Practical Activity: "Mapping our Routines with Flowcharts"
Objective of the Project
To learn to create and interpret flowcharts through the mapping of the daily routines of each member of the group.
Project Description
Each group of students (3 to 5 students) will be in charge of mapping their daily routines in a flowchart. Each student should map their morning routine from the moment they wake up until the moment they leave home for school. After that, the group should compare the individual flowcharts, identify similarities and differences, and create a consolidated flowchart representing the common morning routine of all the members of the group.
Necessary materials
- Sheets of A4 paper or cardstock
- Colored markers
- Post-its
Step by step
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The groups are formed and each student individually creates a flowchart of their morning routine, representing each step of the process (waking up, getting up, showering, getting dressed, having breakfast, etc.), as well as the decisions made along the way.
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Each student presents their flowchart to the group, explaining each step and decision.
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The group discusses the similarities and differences between their routines and creates a consolidated flowchart representing the "typical" morning routine of the group.
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The consolidated flowchart should be presented to the class, with an explanation of the steps, decisions, and results.
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Each group should record the process of creating the flowcharts, the discussions, and the results in a report.
Report Delivery and Writing
The report should have four parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. In the development of the report, each group should explain the concept of flowchart and its purpose, describe the process of creating the individual flowcharts and the consolidated flowchart, and discuss the results and conclusions.
In the Introduction, students should contextualize the use of flowcharts in real life and in the academic world, describing their relevance and applicability.
In the Development, students should detail the flowchart creation process: how each student created their individual flowchart, how the group organized to discuss and consolidate the flowcharts, which methodologies were used to consolidate the information, etc. They should also explain their consolidated flowchart in detail in this section.
In the Conclusion, students should report what were the learnings obtained, the difficulties encountered, the solutions adopted, and the skills developed throughout the project. In addition, they should explain how this task contributed to the understanding of the content and its use in everyday life.
In the Bibliography, students should list all the sources consulted during the elaboration of the project, including books, websites, videos, etc. Possible sources could be: the book used in the subject, educational content websites, YouTube videos, etc.
All these steps and activities will be relevant to the writing of the report. The task of writing the report will also contribute to the development of effective writing and communication skills.
