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CONCEPT MAPS
Introduction
Definition: Concept mapping is a technique for visualizing the
relationships amongdifferent concepts. A concept map is a diagram
showing the relationships among
concepts. Concepts are connected with labeled arrows, in a
downward-branchinghierarchical structure. The relationship between
concepts is articulated in linkingphrases.
Purpose: Concept maps harness the power of our vision to
understand complexinformation at-a-glance. The primary function of
the brain is to interpret incominginformation to make meaning. It
is easier for the brain to make meaning wheninformation is
represented in visual formats. This is why a picture is worth a
thousandwords. It is essential to your studies and career that you
can handle complexinformation; concept maps offer one method to do
this.
Usage: Concept maps are used to stimulate the generation of
ideas, and are believedto aid creativity. For example, concept
mapping is sometimes used for brain-storming.Although they are
often personalized, concept maps can be used to communicatecomplex
ideas.
Development: The technique of concept mapping was developed by
Joseph D. Novakand his research team at Cornell University in the
1970s as a means of representingthe emerging science knowledge of
students. It has subsequently been used as a toolto increase
meaningful learning in the sciences and other subjects as well as
torepresent the expert knowledge of individuals and teams in
education, government andbusiness.
Concept maps have their origin in the learning movement called
constructivism. Inparticular, constructivists hold that learners
actively construct knowledge. Conceptmaps are constructed to
reflect the organization of the declarative memory system,
theyfacilitate sense-making and meaningful learning on the part of
individuals who makeconcept maps and those who use them. Concept
maps were developed to enhancemeaningful learning in the sciences.
A well made concept map grows within a contextframe defined by an
explicit focus question.
Novaks work is based on the cognitive theories of David Ausubel
(assimilation theory),
who stressed the importance of prior knowledge in being able to
learn new concepts.
The most important single factor influencing learning is what
the learner alreadyknows. Ascertain this and teach accordingly.
Practical applications of concept maps in learning:
Handy way to take notes during lecture.
Excellent aids to group brainstorming.
Planning your studies and career.
Providing graphics for your presentations or revisions. A way to
outline your revisions and presentations.
Refine your creative and critical thinking.
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What Is Concept Maps?
A concept map is a special form of a web diagram for exploring
knowledge andgathering and sharing information. Concept mapping is
the strategy employed todevelop a concept map. A concept map
consists of nodes or cells that contain aconcept, item or question
and links. The links are labeled and denote direction with an
arrow symbol. The labeled links explain the relationship between
the nodes. The arrowdescribes the direction of the relationship and
reads like a sentence.
Kinds of Concept Maps
There are four major categories of concept maps. These are
distinguished by theirdifferent format for representing
information.
SPIDER concept map
The spider concept map is organized by placing the central theme
orunifying factor inthe center of the map. Outwardly radiating
sub-themes surround the center of the map.
HIERARCHY concept mapThe hierarchy concept map presents
information in a descending order of importance.The most important
information is placed on the top. Distinguishing factor determine
theplacement of the information.
FLOWCHART concept mapThe flowchart concept map organizes
information in a linear format.
SYSTEMS concept mapThe system concept map organizes information
in a format which is similar to aflowchart with the addition of
INPUTS and OUTPUTS.
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CONCEPT MAPPING 1
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