Concept Mapping is one of the most widely used techniques in teaching and learning. It works well for a variety of subjects – language, sciences, sociology, psychology etc. The technique was developed by Joseph D. Novak and his research team at Cornell University in the 1970s. We all are familiar with placing an idea in the centre and then writing the related ideas or even opposed ideas all around this central idea. Let us take an example, "If one throws the question what is language?" to the class, asking them to speak out whatever comes to their mind. The replies that one would get are varied: "Speech, Writing, Expression, Gestures, Body Language, Communication, Telephone, Letter, Fluency, Grammar, and Vocabulary." When these ideas are placed all around the central idea with arrows pointing back and forth, as illustrated below, the technique is known as Concept Mapping according to Novak and his team. (Reference below)
Grammar, Vocabulary
Speech, Writing ¬ Language ® Telephone, Letter
Body Language, Gestures
To Communicate
To Express
These ideas can later on be clubbed into various groups. Continuing with the same example:
Speech, Writing, Body Language can be clubbed as – forms of language
Grammar, Vocabulary can be clubbed as – rules and elements of language
To communicate, to express can be clubbed as - uses of language
Telephone, Letter can be clubbed as - means of communication.
Listing, Grouping, Explanatory Notes, Branching are other methods that can be used for concept mapping.
Concept Mapping can be put to multiple uses by the teachers as well as the students. It is one of the most commonly used techniques. On browsing the notebook of a student, one would definitely find concept maps. Some of the benefits are:
- Works well as a technique for brainstorming;
- Helps to assimilate the information;
- It is a convenient tool for presenting the complex ideas;
- Helps in note taking during sessions;
- Creates better understanding of objectives, concepts and interrelationships;
- Helps in increasing the learning outcome;
- Facilitates transfer of information and knowledge;
- Works well for summarizing and reviewing the session.
While adopting the concept mapping technique it is best to let the ideas flow in a session. Some of the ideas may be unrelated to the topic under consideration, but it is best to note down the same. First, Checking may result in loss of ideas and second, these unrelated ideas can later on be taken and explained as to how and why they do not fit in with the idea under consideration.
Tips regarding how to use and the uses of concept mapping are further explained and referenced at the following website : http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learning/critical-thinking/concept-mapping.html
