Theory Maps
A tutorial
Theory Maps
In this course, we will be using theory maps to help
us examine some of the school restructuring ideas
we are studying.
Theory Maps
Theory maps are like
•
concept maps
•
idea maps
•
process maps
•
diagrams
In that they present ideas
and relationships in a
visual form.
You may already be familiar
with concept maps
C
B
A
D
Concept maps have become a popular teaching
tool. If you are a K-12 teacher, for example, you
may already be using Inspiration software or
something similar.
Concept Maps
Just in case you are not
familiar with this, here are
some sample concept maps
taken from the Internet.
(Indeed, the first is a
concept map explaining
concept maps. )
Some of these samples are
blurry, but do not worry about the
content as much as the idea.
Map basics
As you can see, all
of the examples share
three basic features:
1. A set of concepts
2. Lines or arrows that
represent the relational
links between the
concepts, and
3. Labels for these linking
relationships.
Concept Maps are useful because
they help us to…
1. Present and share
complex information
visually
2. Construct meaning
3. Place facts and ideas
within propositional
frameworks
4. Communicate efficiently
in an on-line
environment
Concept v. Theory map
• Much of our attention will be
directed toward the third
element of concept mapping–
labeling the lines that connect
concepts. These connecting
lines represent a theory (or
hypotheses) of the
relationship between the
concepts.
•
This is why I use the term ‘theory
map.’ To draw your attention to the
lines, not simply the boxes.
For example, here is a basic concept map of this
course. It suggests that school restructuring leads
to changes in teaching and learning.
School
Restructuring
Changes to
Teaching
and
Learning
To develop it as a theory map we want to explain the arrow.
Why would school restructuring lead to changes in teaching
and learning?
??????
School
Restructuring
Changes to
Teaching
and
Learning
Building theory maps
We can construct a
sample theory map
together.
Since most all of you
are now working to earn
a master degree, let’s
explore a related idea.
Query: Why are you earning this masters degree?
One explanation or ‘theory’ is that you are striving to gain
knowledge that helps you perform at a higher level at your
current job or at a new job.
Masters
Degree
Improved
Job Performance
Another explanation might be that you are simply
striving to earn more money.
In either case, what is the logic of these lines?
Masters
Degree
?
?
?
Say, for example, that you have a grumpy uncle
who wants to know why or how a masters degree
improves your job performance or makes you
worthy of higher pay. What might you argue?
Masters
Degree
?
?
?
Why does earning a master degree
make you more willing, able or worthy?
• To come up with an
answer, you could
draft a theory map to
explain your own
personal theory or to
communicate theories
established in
research literatures
You can do this using 4 basic steps:
1.
Start by generating ideas,
explanations, and concepts
through brainstorming.
2.
Visualize the relationship
between these ideas. Provide
connecting lines to indicate
these relationships.
3.
Label the connecting lines to
explain the relationship.
4.
Refine your map through
analysis, rethinking and
redrawing processes.
Brainstorm
For example, brainstorm potential factors and
hypotheses linking a masters degree to
improved performance:
? Education cultivates new knowledge and
skills.
Models new forms of thinking and learning
Stimulates professional networks that
contribute to growth and performance?
?Encourages greater investment in career
Positively influences self-identity and
confidence?
Label the line connecting the concept. In this example, I am proposing that any
and all of these hypotheses could conceivably explain why a masters degree
might lead to improved job performance. (I also added a concept: motivation)
Motivation
To
Learn
Acquire New Knowledge
And Skills?
Acquire new models for
Thinking and learning?
Stimulate prof. networks
that promote learning
and performance?
Masters
Program
Encourage greater
Investment in career?
Positively alter identity,
confidence, etc.?
Improved
Job Performance
I could amend my map to argue that higher pay must be involved if
a masters degree is to lead to improved job performance
Acquire New Knowledge
And Skills?
Motivation
To
Learn
Acquire new models for
Thinking and learning?
Stimulate prof. networks
that promote learning
and performance?
Masters
Program
Higher
Pay
Encourage greater
Investment in career?
Positively alter identity,
confidence, etc.?
Improved
Job
Performance
Replies to FAQs
I don’t get it… What do I do?
You probably do get it.
But mapping is hard.
Start simply and add
things bit by bit. It may
be easier for some to
work in written or
spoken explanations,
from which they create
maps.
How big?
A common question is how big or complex a theory
map should be. Conceivably, they could go on
forever with one concept and proposition always
introducing another.
For example, someone lost control of
things in that inset map!
So, you must establish a map focus
and boundaries
Establishing map boundaries
is often difficult. Decisions must be
made about which concepts and
propositions are more and less
Important. Work to stay focused on
the key ideas and relationships
your map is meant to
communicate.
But, here is a helpful rule of
thumb….
A useful map is usually
one where all the
concepts and
relationships
presented can be
retained in a person’s
grasp.
How do I know if my map is ‘right’?
Maps are not right or wrong as much as they
are more and less useful and stimulating.
They are a tool for thinking, critiquing,
communicating and learning.
That should get you started.
To learn more…
A set of articles discussing the origins of concepts maps,
their role in cognition, steps for developing them, and
discussions of how they are being used to promote
learning in different disciplines can be found on our
External Links page.