CONCEPT MAPS
Simplify the Complex!
WHAT IS A CONCEPT MAP?
A
concept map is a diagram.
 It is used to represent or “break down” complex
information in a simple, visual format.
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Presents this info “at a glance.”
Shows relationships between concepts.
EXCELLENT tool for visual learners.
 Sometimes
referred to as “mind-mapping”.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION TO YOUR COURSES

Handy way to take notes during lecture.

Or even to re-format your lecture notes AFTER lecture.
A quick way to create an outline for a paper or speech.
 Excellent aid for group brainstorming…think problem
solving.
 Plan your studies, and how they relate to your future
career.
 Easy way to create graphics for presentations, speeches,
and papers.
 Aids in critical thinking because you can “see” the many
facets of a problem/solution.

SO…WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
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Refer to the next slides for
some common examples of
concept maps.
Ask yourself:
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How might those examples be
used to help in your current
courses?
What types of Concept Maps
would be best for your current
courses?
“SPIDER”
•The "spider" concept map is
organized by placing the central
theme or unifying factor in the
center of the map. Outwardly
radiating sub-themes surround the
center of the map.
•Some examples of central
themes:
•Branches of Government
•Philosophers
•Artistic Movements
•Species
•Music Genres
“HIERARCHY”

The hierarchy concept map
presents information in a
descending order of importance.
The most important information is
placed on the top. Distinguishing
factors determine the placement
of the information.

Some examples:
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Organizing speeches
Outlining papers
TIME MANAGEMENT
“SYSTEMS”

The systems concept map organizes
information in a format which is
similar to a flowchart with the
addition of 'INPUTS' and 'OUTPUTS'.
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These generally work well for:
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Biology/Ecology courses
Environmental Science courses
Process-oriented problems
Organizational models
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR OWN CONCEPT MAP

Some suggestions for getting started include:
Start with a question or concept from your textbook and
create a systems map to answer the question.
 Choose a topic from lecture, and then relate additional detail
from your textbook to create a spider map illustrating the
inter-relation between the two.
 Compose a thesis for an essay. Use the hierarchy map to
organize the main ideas that support that thesis.
 Remember…
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It’s OK to revise your concept maps.
Keep them around…reuse them for supplemental study guides before exams.
Creating maps with study partners is an excellent way to share ideas and improve your
understanding of course material.
This PowerPoint presentation is the property of Northern Michigan
University’s Academic & Career Advisement Center. It may not be
reproduced without written consent.
www.nmu.edu/acac
Presentation content is adapted from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
ACES 100 class resource website. Source document is located at
http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/ACES100/Mind/Cmap.html.