Concept

Concept Mapping

Concept maps graphically illustrate relationships between information. Two or more concepts are linked by words that describe their relationship. They help students organize and enhance their knowledge on any topic.

Vocabulary Nodes (points, vertices – boxed/circled/etc. information) represent concepts Links (arcs or lines) represent the relationships between concepts Proposition (labels on links) describes the reasoning for the linked items See Handout

Example Concept Map

Source: http://nerds.unl.edu/pages/preser/sec/articles/conceptmaps.html

Memory Systems of the Human Mind

Source: http://cmap.coginst.uwf.edu/info/cmap.gif

Applications of Concept Mapping Teachers  

Organize curriculum planning Assessment tool: Assess understanding or diagnose misunderstanding

Students  

Generate ideas (brainstorming) To aid learning by explicitly integrating new and old knowledge

Advantages Visual symbols are quickly and easily recognized Minimum use of text makes it easy to scan for a word, phrase, or the general idea They can help students’ remember information longer

Steps in Constructing Concept Maps 1. Select Write down the major terms or concepts you know about the topic. 2. Rank Rank the concepts from the most abstract and inclusive to the most concrete and specific.

Steps in Constructing Concept Maps 1. Cluster Cluster concepts that interrelate closely. 4. Arrange Arrange concepts into a diagram representation . 7. Link and Add Proposition Link concepts with linking lines and label each line with a proposition.

Teaching Strategy: Brainstorm

Teaching Strategy: OpenMind

design and development of paper-based and electronic media to support learning

Source: http://www.matchware.com/en/products/openmind/

Teaching Strategy: Inspiration

design and development of paper-based and electronic media to support learning

Source: http://www.inspiration.com/home.cfm

Other Teaching Strategies Post-it Notes Microsoft Word PowerPoint

Using concept maps for pre and post assessment 1.Students construct initial maps that reflect their current understanding of the subject 2.The teacher provides learning opportunities 3.Students refine the maps using new concepts

The End

For the MASTS-C Research Have students create a pre & post concept map using the two templates provided in the back of your packet. Discuss strategy for these students assignment. Your job – count the number of Nodes (Concepts) and Propositions (Labeled Links). Practice