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