Concept Mapping

Concept Mapping Introduction Meaningful learning is one of the objectives of teaching. There have been several efforts to improve students learning. One of such efforts is to try several instructional strategies. Concept mapping is one such strategy. It helps in developing conceptual understanding among the students with inter relations between the concepts. It is a process that results in a concept map. Objectives After studying this module you will be able to - describe the meaning of concept mapping - describe the features of a concept map - state the steps involved in concept mapping - construct concept maps - explain the uses of concept maps Feature of a concept map Concept maps are diagrammatic representations that show meaningful relationship between concepts in the form of prepositions. These prepositions describe the connections between concepts. Usually concepts are written inside a __ or a box and connected by lines with connecting words. Concepts are arranged in a hierarchical order from top to bottom. There can also be thinks laterally evaluating the concepts together. It is also possible to show integration of concepts across subjects. Fig. 1 shows the structure of a concept map. Steps in concept mapping In the construction of a concept map, following steps are followed. It is advisable to involve students at every stage of concept mapping. Step 1 : Identify the concepts from a selected unit/chapter. List them on the black board Step 2 : Arrange the concepts in a hierarchical order top to bottom Step 3 : Select the concepts that fall laterally Step 4 : Draw circles / boxes around the concepts and draw lines linking the concepts Step 5 : Write the linking words. Concept map is ready. Step 6 : Read the whole concept map. See whether all possible links are marked. In case the concept maps look too crowded, it may be reconstructed. After drawing the concept map on the black board involving the students, they may be encouraged to draw on their own. To begin with they can complete any incomplete concept map. Later, they can be asked to construct a concept map on their own Fig. 2 shows a concept map on types of industries. Uses of concept maps The concept maps can be used at any stage of the lesson. When it is used at the introductory stage, students get a complete picture of what they are going to learn. If used at the developmental stage, students are taken smoothly from one concept to another. It can also be used to sum up the chapter and even to evaluate the understanding of the students of what is being taught. Activity 1. Study Fig. 2 and work out step 1, 2 & 3 of the concept map 2. Select any topic of your choice and draw a concept map. Show every step of concept mapping 3. Draw an incomplete concept map which you plan to use at the evaluation stage. Show a few empty boxes and connecting words with meaningful gaps. Reading You may like to read this article on The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Them[[1]] Media Here is a concept map on concept map [[2]] See this video on concept map Key Ideas Underlying Concept Maps And How They Can Be Used - Part 1/2[[3]] Key Ideas Underlying Concept Maps And How They Can Be Used - Part 2/2[[4]] Web Based Orientation Programme for Pre University Lecturers For Lecturers of Pre-University Colleges of Karnataka State AWARENESS DEVELOPMENT MODULES ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಅರಿವಿಗಾಗಿ Aims and Objectives of PU Education  |  Status of PU Education in Karnataka  |  Curriculum: A General Orientation  |  The Policies and their Implications  |  Rights and Responsibilities of a PU College Student  |  Roles and Responsibilities of a PU Lecturer  |  Challenges faced by PU Lecturers  |  Need for Continuous Professional Development and Professional Ethics  |  Circulars of the Department CURRICULUM TRANSACTION ಪಠ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ Let us analyse what we teach  |  Contextualising Curriculum  |  Approaches to teaching and learning at the PU Level  |  Selecting the approach/es  |  Collaborative and Co-operative learning  |  Designing Individual/Group Activities and Assignments  |  Learning experience and its Design  |  Organising demonstration and practical  |  Information Processing Skills |  Classroom Management  |  Learning beyond class hours  |  Examination at PU Level  |  Evaluation of learning LEARNER AND LEARNER DEVELOPMENT ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಮತ್ತು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿ ಅಭಿವ್ರಧ್ಧಿ Understanding a PU Student  |  Development of Effective Study Habits and Learning to Learn Skills  |  Techniques of Motivating PU Students for Higher Achievement  |  Guidance and Counseling as a Student Support Service at PU Level  |  Adolescence Education and Value Development