What is a Concept Map?
Concept maps often include:
concepts or ideas, enclosed in circles or boxes.
represented in hierarchical fashion
relationships between concepts, indicated by a
connecting line.
words on the line specify the precise relationship
cross-links (relationships between concepts in
different domains of the concept map).
specific examples of events or objects
help clarify meaning of a given concept
From “The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct Them,” by Joseph D. Novak.
Online version available at [Link]
Concept Map Sample…
Novak, J.D. & Gowin, D.B. (1984). Learning How to Learn. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Concept Map Sample…
From [Link] Map by Paul Rutherford.
Not a Concept Map Sample…
Life-Cycle Analysis Flow Chart
Uses of Concept Mapping
BRAINSTORMING SUPPORT: Provides format and
direction for planning and generating new ideas.
STUDY AID: Facilitates effective note taking,
summarizes newly learned concepts, or lends some
structure or activity to reflective thinking.
INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL: Serves as visual aid or
schematic summary, demonstrates complex
relationships, or provides a means for assessment of
understanding or isolation of misconceptions.
Focus: Pre- and post-lesson assessments
Help students and educators recognize what
students already know.
Focus students on subject at hand, and help
them frame their own learning.
Allow educators to catch misconceptions
early.
Learning as Conceptual Change
Students have pre-existing ideas, mental
models, vocabulary, etc. (correct or incorrect).
Student must understand relationships
between existing ideas and concepts and
newly-presented meanings for internalization
to occur.
Second language acquisition example.
Examples from Science &
Technology for the Environment
Students were asked to:
draw concept maps of key ideas in assigned readings.
draw simple concept maps, then elaborate and refine
based on new information.
Atmospheric System Example
draw two concept maps comparing and contrasting
environmental issues.
Tropospheric Ozone vs. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Global Climate Change vs. Ozone Depletion
examine complexities of environmental problems using
concept maps.
Causes of extinction of a frog species
Application
Green Building Discussion -- “What is a Green
Building?”
What are the benefits of this sort of exercise
for students? For teachers?
What are some possible shortcomings or
limitations of concept maps?
Discussion
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Links to Concept Mapping Websites
General / How To:
[Link] - Offers general background
information, as well as useful discussion of different types of concept maps.
[Link] - General information.
[Link] - General information.
[Link] - General information, useful
discussion of how to create concept maps.
[Link] - "Improving Note Taking with Concept
Maps."
Software:
[Link] - Most commonly used concept-mapping software. Site also
contains information about theory, and instruction on mapping methods (see, for example,
[Link]
[Link] - Alternate concept-mapping software.
Theory:
[Link] - "The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How
To Construct Them," by J. D. Novak.
Examples / Uses:
[Link] - Programmable concept map that demonstrates their
potential complexity and possible application.
[Link] - Map of
cellular respiration.
[Link] - Discusses
practical application of concept map as a hypertext tool.
Additional Resources
Ausubel, D. P. (1963). The Psychology of Meaningful Verbal Learning.
New York: Grune and Stratton.
Ausubel, D. P. (1968). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View. New
York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Bloom, B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives--The
Classification of Educational Goals. New York: David McKay.
Hyerle, D. (1996). Visual Tools for Constructing Knowledge.
Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.
Novak, J.D. & Gowin, D.B. (1984). Learning How to Learn. New York:
Cambridge University Press.