Concept Mapping 1

Concept Mapping- helps you to link information

Dr. Joanne BroggyProject Officer – Teaching and Learning

(Science)

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The Purpose of today

To help you understand what a concept maps is.

To develop your skills in generating concept maps

To discuss the use of and construction of concepts maps in any of your classes

To highlight the benefits of using the tool to help you learn

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AgendaIntroduction

Information on Concept Mapping

Drawing Concept Maps Task 1

Drawing Concept Maps Task 2

Discussion

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What is a Concept Map?

Graphical representational

toolAssessment tool

Practical learning tool

Manageable teachingtool

Instructional tool

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In a concept map two or more concepts are linked by words that describe their relationship.

Food Contains EnergyTwo negative numbers multiplied results

in a positive numberTeaching requires good classroom

management Communication can be verbal,

nonverbal

What are Concept Maps made of?

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What does a Concept Map look like?

Concept Maps

tools

are

to

Represent data

for

Learning

In a diagram

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A Concept Map Includes:

4) Propositions: Smallest Unit of Meaning

2) Linking lines (usually with a unidirectional arrow)

3) Linking phrases

contains

Linking Phrase

Linking PhraseLinking Phrase

Linking Phrase

Linking Phrase

Linking Phrase

Maths1) Nodes (terms or concepts)

numbers

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Focus QuestionsEvery concept map is constructed with

reference to a ‘focus question’ which clearly specifies the problem or issue that the concept map should help to resolve (Novak and Cañas, 2006).

Encourage students to construct a map that explicitly answers the focus question

What are the characteristics of light?Why do we need food?What is Trigonometry?

What are the components of animal cells?

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Aim of Concept MapsTo gain insight into the way students view a topic.

To examine the understandings and misconceptions students hold.

To assess the complexity of the relationships students hold.

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Why use Concept Maps?

Good for planning ahead◦ ‘Advance Organisers’

Helps you learn more easily◦ Promotes you to talk about concepts ◦ Relate new concepts to previous concepts

Good for revisionA new assessment toolHighlights the connections between

different aspects of theory

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How to create a Concept Map

Decide on a focus question that you want to answer

Identify the Major Concepts◦Start with a general (key) concept at the top of

the map Arrange the concepts on paper

◦Work your way down through a hierarchical structure to more specific concepts

Link the concepts using linking phrasesMake crosslinks

◦ Include applications and examples where possible

Refer back to the focus question to ensure you are answering it at all stages

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Tips When Making Maps:

Use unlined paper and pencil. Relax and allow yourself to concentrate

on the focus question. Write down the major terms or concepts

relating to the topic in a list. Create a map with the most general

terms on top and getting more specific as you move down the map.

Ask yourself questions as you generate the map, use the concepts you have to help you generate more.

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Practice makes Perfect!!

In groups of two/three construct a concept map on a concept/topic you are interested in.

The topic is your choice – firstly generate a focus question that the

concept map will answer.

Pick any topic – music, sport, TV etc.

Concept Map 1 – Any Topic

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Reflect on the process of Constructing Concept Maps?

1. Did you enjoy constructing the concept map in pairs?

2. Can you see a potential use for the tool in any of your classes?

3. Did you find the task of constructing a Concept Map difficult/easy? What was difficult/easy about the process?

4. Do you understand the importance of the focus question?

5. What one piece of advice would you give your friends if they were to construct a concept map on a topic they are familiar with?

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Concept Map 2 – Your Subject Area

In groups of two/three – generate a concept map on a topic related to your subject area

What is the focus question?You can use textbooks to help you.Identify the important conceptsLink the concepts using linking phrases

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Take-Home MessagesStart with small steps – generate

small maps at the start and then increase them

Use them to help you understand any concept

Make sure and answer the focus question – keep FOCUSED

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Thank You

Any Questions???

 A ROAD MAP SHOWS YOU HOW TO GET

FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER – A CONCEPT MAP SHOWS YOU HOW TO GET

FROM ONE IDEA TO ANOTHER