Concept Mapping (CM)

Description

Concept Mapping is a graphic organiser strategy that shows the relationship between concepts. CM help the student see relationships or the ways that two objects or ideas are connected. Usually the concepts are circled and the relationships shown by connecting lines with short explanations. There are usually multiple connections, some being factual and concrete; others are more abstract or symbolic. This strategy provides students with a visual picture of how words or phrases connect to a concept or a topic.

Procedure

1. Teacher writes the idea in an oval in the centre of the board. Around the main idea the key topics are written. These are connected to the main idea with a line.

2. Supporting details are filled in around the key topics. The details are connected to other details and key topics as appropriate.

3. The resulting lines show the relationship between the ideas. These links between ideas may be labelled with a verb or phrase.

4. Class discussion may follow, with the instructor as the facilitator, to argue against or to defend the perceived relationships of the dictated words to the topic, and eventually a consensus is reached as to what the class believes constitutes a “web” for that concept.

Link to Outcomes

Students visualise consequences, think laterally, recognise opportunity and potential and are prepared to test options.

Dynamic Strategies

Experience/Information, Motivation/Negotiation

Thinking Skills

Helps students visualise how ideas are connected and how knowledge is organised.

Shows relationships between ideas. Gathers information in a random, but organising manner. Improves comprehension and problem solving skills.

Concept Mapping (CM)