CONCEPT MAPS Introduction Definition: Concept mapping is a technique for visualizing the relationships among different concepts.

A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships among concepts. Concepts are connected with labeled arrows, in a downward-branching hierarchical structure. The relationship between concepts is articulated in linking phrases. Purpose: Concept maps harness the power of our vision to understand complex information at-a-glance. The primary function of the brain is to interpret incoming information to make meaning. It is easier for the brain to make meaning when information is represented in visual formats. This is why a picture is worth a thousand words. It is essential to your studies and career that you can handle complex information; concept maps offer one method to do this. Usage: Concept maps are used to stimulate the generation of ideas, and are believed to aid creativity. For example, concept mapping is sometimes used for brain-storming. Although they are often personalized, concept maps can be used to communicate complex ideas. Development: The technique of concept mapping was developed by Joseph D. Novak and his research team at Cornell University in the 1970s as a means of representing the emerging science knowledge of students. It has subsequently been used as a tool to increase meaningful learning in the sciences and other subjects as well as to represent the expert knowledge of individuals and teams in education, government and business. Concept maps have their origin in the learning movement called constructivism. In particular, constructivists hold that learners actively construct knowledge. Concept maps are constructed to reflect the organization of the declarative memory system, they facilitate sense-making and meaningful learning on the part of individuals who make concept maps and those who use them. Concept maps were developed to enhance meaningful learning in the sciences. A well made concept map grows within a context frame defined by an explicit focus question. Novaks work is based on the cognitive theories of David Ausubel (assimilation theory), who stressed the importance of prior knowledge in being able to learn new concepts. The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows. Ascertain this and teach accordingly.

Practical applications of concept maps in learning: Handy way to take notes during lecture. Excellent aids to group brainstorming. Planning your studies and career. Providing graphics for your presentations or revisions. A way to outline your revisions and presentations. Refine your creative and critical thinking. 32

What Is Concept Maps? A concept map is a special form of a web diagram for exploring knowledge and gathering and sharing information. Concept mapping is the strategy employed to develop a concept map. A concept map consists of nodes or cells that contain a concept, item or question and links. The links are labeled and denote direction with an arrow symbol. The labeled links explain the relationship between the nodes. The arrow describes the direction of the relationship and reads like a sentence.

Kinds of Concept Maps There are four major categories of concept maps. These are distinguished by their different format for representing information.

SPIDER concept map The spider concept map is organized by placing the central theme or unifying factor in the center of the map. Outwardly radiating sub-themes surround the center of the map. HIERARCHY concept map The hierarchy concept map presents information in a descending order of importance. The most important information is placed on the top. Distinguishing factor determine the placement of the information. FLOWCHART concept map The flowchart concept map organizes information in a linear format.

SYSTEMS concept map The system concept map organizes information in a format which is similar to a flowchart with the addition of INPUTS and OUTPUTS.

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CONCEPT MAPPING 1 Concept Maps include

Hierarchies

Concepts

Connecting Arrows

Cross-linkages

determine location of Are

between

communicate

labeled with

produce Relationship

Near top Relationshi Of Map may be located Inclusive (bigger or more important)

Objects

Events between

identified by Propositions

Connecting Words or Phrases A label

Different Parts of a Map

communicate Exclusive (smaller or less important) Located

Your Understanding of Relationships Between Concepts

located

Near Bottom of Map

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CONCEPT MAPPING 2 Concept Map made of made of may include

Concepts

Linking words

Examples

are call to mind

are show

are not

show

are not

Singular ideas

Picture

Boxed

have

have Linkages

have

Hierarchy

Cross linkages

assures

provide

show

show

show

Clarity

Relationships

Complexity

must be

must be

Valid

Significant

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