Building a Concept Map
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What is a concept map?
• A concept map is a technique used to
organize information or thoughts.
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Why create concept maps?
• Concept maps allow you to organize lots
of information into a form that is easily
understood.
• Concept maps allow you to visualize
connections within the information.
• Concept maps provide you a way to
organize your thoughts onto paper.
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When do I create a concept map?
• Whenever you need to organize
information - this can vary from person to
person.
• If you find concept maps useful, then use
them. If you find them confusing, modify
them so they become useful to you asking questions can help you with this
process.
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How do I create Concept Maps?
Step 1
– Start by placing your Main Idea in the
center circle or graphic.
Main Idea
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How do I create Concept Maps?
Step 2
– Make a list of all possible items you want to
include in your map.
– Highlight all of the Large Topics.
– Place the highlighted topics in circles around
the center circle or graphic.
– Draw lines to connect each of the Large
Topics to the center, Main Idea.
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Step 2 looks like this:
Large topic
Large topic
Main Idea
Large topic
Large topic
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How do I create Concept Maps?
Step 3
– List the Subtopics that are part of each Large
Topic.
– Place these Subtopics into the next set of
circles or graphics out from the Large Topic
they are related to.
– Draw lines to connect each of the Subtopics
to their Large Topic.
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Step 3 looks like this:
subtopics
Large topic
Large topic
subtopics
Main Idea
Large topic
Large topic
subtopics
subtopics
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How do I create Concept Maps?
Step 4
– Check the connections on your map. If you
think something should be in a different place,
move it.
– Make sure you have at least two Subtopics for
every Large Topic listed!!
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What if I don’t get it?
• If you are having problems, try working in
reverse.
• Start with the most specific information
and divide it into broader topics until you
reach the center circle.
• If you are still having problems, ask for
assistance.
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