Concept Mapping What is Concept Mapping A concept

Concept Mapping What is Concept Mapping? A concept map (also called webbing and graphic organizer) is a method to link related ideas graphically as a means of developing a fuller definition of a person, a term, or an idea (Novak, 1998). Novak, J. D. (1998). Learning, creating, and using knowledge: Concept Maps as facilitative tools in schools and corporations. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

How do you build a concept map? • Start with a focus question that addresses a problem, issue, or idea you wish to map. • Identify 10 to 20 concepts (no more than three words in length) that are important to the question and list them. • Rank order the concepts by placing the most inclusive idea at the top. – It is helpful to focus on the essential question to help you determine the rank order of the words. – Sometimes this part of the process leads to a modification of the focus question or the writing of a new focus question. • Work down the list and add new words as needed.

Concept Map Building Continued: • Begin to build your map by placing the most inclusive idea at the top. – Usually has just, this is one. – You may have no more than two or three at the top of the map. • Next, select the two, three, or four sub-concepts to place under each general concept. – Avoid placing more than four concepts under any other concept. – If more, identify another term that would fit as an intermediate idea. • Connect the concepts by lines. – Use arrows, sometimes in both directions, to demonstrate a flow of thought.

Concept Map Building Continued: • Label the lines with one or a few linking words. • Using linking words, define the relationship between the two concepts so that it is a valid statement. • Begin to see a structure of meaning for the ideas you are linking. • Rework the structure of your map, which may include – Adding, subtracting, or changing concepts – Repeating the process several times – Learning new ideas and gaining new insights

Concept Map Building Continued: • Look for cross links between concepts in different sections of the map and label these lines. – Cross links help you see new, creative relationships in your developing knowledge. • Add specific examples to the concept labels. – Ford Mustang is a specific example of a type of car.

Concept Map Building Continued: • Concept maps may be developed into many different forms for the same set of concepts. • There is no one way to draw a concept map. • As your knowledge and understanding evolves, so will your concept maps.

Sample Concept Map in Development – Stage One

Sample Concept Map in Development – Stage Two

Sample Concept Map in Development – Stage Three

Benefits of Concept Mapping • Enables students and teachers to identify what a learner already knows, along with misconceptions, and helps them to anchor the learning of new concepts and principles. • Enables students to identify the key concepts and principles in activities, readings, and lectures. • Enables students to personally construct their vision of events and objects as they learn about them. • Enables students to transform their tacit knowledge into clear and concise explanations.

For more information Reference: Novak, J. D. (1998). Learning, creating, and using knowledge: Concept Maps as facilitative tools in schools and corporations. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.