Concept Mapping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concept mapping is a technique for representing knowledge in graphs.  Knowledge graphs are networks of concepts.  Networks consist of nodes (points/vertices) and links (arcs/edges).  Nodes represent concepts and links represent the relations between concepts.  Concepts and sometimes links are labeled.  Links can be non-. Uni, or bi-directional.  Concepts and links may be categorized, they can be simply associative or divided in categories such as causal or temporal relations.  Concept mapping can be done for several purposes:

  • •To generate ideas (brainstorming, etc);

  • •To design a complex structure (long texts, hypermedia, large web sites, etc.);

  • •To communicate complex ideas;

  • •To aid learning by explicitly integrating new and old knowledge;

  • •To assess understanding or diagnose misunderstanding.

The concept mapping technique was developed by Prof. Joseph D. Novak at Cornell University in the 1960’s.  This work was based on the the theories of David Ausubel, who stressed the importance of prior knowledge in being able to learn about new concepts.  Novak concluded that “Meaningful learning involves the assimilation of new concepts and propositions into existing cognitive structures”.

Mind Mapping is a popular related technique, invented (and copyrighted) by Tony Buzan in the U.K.  He describes mind maps as : “ a mind map consists of a central word or concept, around the central word you draw the 5 to 10 main ideas that relate to that word.  You then take each of those child words and again draw the 5 to 10 main ideas that relate to each of those words”.

The Difference between concept maps and mind maps is that a mind map has only one main concept, while a concept map may have several.  This comes down to the point that a mind map can be represented as a tree, while a concept map may need a network representation.

From http://users.edte.utwente.nl/lanzing/cm_home.htm

 

Concept Mapping -  also an instructional strategy, a learning tool and an assessment!

Concept Mapping and Graphic Organizers in Room 142, Craig Hattam's Geography Classroom, Lincoln Middle School, Hibbing, Mn;  excellent source of links to concept mapping!

The Concept Mapping Homepage

Learning Skills Program - Concept Mapping