Concept Mapping
- helps you to link information
Dr. Joanne Broggy
Project Officer – Teaching and Learning (Science)
Concept Mapping
1
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

Concept Mapping
2
Agenda
Introduction
Information on Concept
Mapping
Drawing Concept Maps Task 1
Drawing Concept Maps Task 2
Discussion
Concept Mapping
3
Graphical
representational tool
Assessment tool
What is a Concept
Map?
Practical learning tool
Manageable teaching
tool
Instructional tool
Concept Mapping
4
What are Concept Maps made of?
In a concept map two or more concepts are linked
by words that describe their relationship.
Food Contains Energy
Two negative numbers multiplied results in a
positive number
 Teaching requires good classroom management
 Communication can be verbal, nonverbal


Concept Mapping
5
What does a Concept Map look
like?
Concept Maps
are
tools
for
to
Learning
Represent data
In a
diagram
Concept Mapping
6
A Concept Map Includes:
Maths
1) Nodes
(terms or concepts)
Linking Phrase
contains
2) Linking lines
(usually with a unidirectional
arrow)
3) Linking phrases
Linking Phrase
numbers
Linking Phrase
Linking Phrase
Linking Phrase
Linking Phrase
4) Propositions: Smallest
Unit of Meaning
Concept Mapping
7
Concept Mapping
8
Concept Mapping
9
Focus Questions
Every 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?
Concept Mapping
10
Aim of Concept Maps
 To
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.
Concept Mapping
11
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 revision
 A new assessment tool
 Highlights the connections between different
aspects of theory

Concept Mapping
12
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 phrases
Make crosslinks
◦ Include applications and examples where possible
Refer back to the focus question to ensure you
are answering it at all stages
Concept Mapping
13
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.
Concept Mapping
14
Practice makes Perfect!!
Concept Map 1 – Any Topic

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 Mapping
15
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?
Concept Mapping
16
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 concepts
Link the concepts using linking phrases
Concept Mapping
17
Take-Home Messages
Start 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

Concept Mapping
18
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
Concept Mapping
19