Concept Mapping
Concept Mapping involves creating visual representations of relationships between concepts, fostering understanding of how ideas connect. Students map key terms, ideas, or processes using diagrams, linking them with lines and labels to show relationships.
How It Works
- Set the Task: Provide students with a central topic, question, or list of key terms related to a lesson or unit.
- Create the Map: Students use boxes or nodes to represent concepts and connect them with labeled lines indicating relationships.
- Encourage Collaboration: Students can work individually, in pairs, or in groups to create and refine their maps.
- Share and Discuss: Students present their maps, explaining their reasoning and connections.
Example
In a biology class, students create a concept map on the topic of “Cell Structure and Function.” Key terms like “nucleus,” “mitochondria,” “ribosomes,” and “cell membrane” are connected with arrows labeled to indicate relationships (e.g., “site of energy production,” “encloses the cell”).
Why It’s Effective
- Helps students organize knowledge and visualize relationships, promoting deeper learning and retention.
- Encourages critical thinking by requiring students to evaluate and synthesize information.
- Supports diverse learners by offering a visual alternative to traditional text-based learning.
Adaptations
- Small Classes: Allow time for individual or small group map creation, followed by presentations and group critique.
- Large Classes: Have students create maps collaboratively on a shared digital platform like Google Jamboard, Padlet, or MindMeister.
- Online Synchronous: Use breakout rooms for group collaboration, with each group presenting their maps using a shared screen.
- Online Asynchronous: Assign students to create concept maps using digital tools (e.g., Coggle, Lucidchart) and upload them to a discussion board for peer review.
- Hybrid Model: Combine in-class discussions of maps with digital tools for refinement and submission.
- STEM Focus: Use for processes or systems (e.g., the water cycle, photosynthesis, or Newton’s laws).
- Creative Disciplines: Map themes, symbols, and character relationships in a novel or play.
Concept Mapping is a versatile tool for helping students identify connections, clarify complex ideas, and develop a comprehensive understanding of course material.
Sources and Attribution
Primary Sources
This section is informed by and adapted from the following sources:
- University of Waterloo, Centre for Teaching Excellence. Active Learning Activities.
- Available at: Waterloo CTE
Use of AI in Section Development
This section was developed using a combination of existing research, expert-informed insights, and AI-assisted drafting. ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used to:
- Synthesize best practices for active learning strategies into a cohesive and accessible guide for instructors.
- Clarify approaches that promote student engagement, participation, and deeper learning.
- Enhance readability and coherence, ensuring that active learning techniques are both research-based and practically applicable in face-to-face and online classrooms.
While AI-assisted drafting provided a structured foundation, all final content was reviewed, revised, and contextualized to ensure accuracy, alignment with research, and pedagogical effectiveness. This section remains grounded in institutional best practices and respects Creative Commons licensing where applicable.
Sources and Attribution
Primary Sources
This section is informed by and adapted from the following sources:
- University of Waterloo, Centre for Teaching Excellence. Active Learning Activities.
- Available at: Waterloo CTE
Use of AI in Section Development
This section was developed using a combination of existing research, expert-informed insights, and AI-assisted drafting. ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used to:
- Synthesize best practices for active learning strategies into a cohesive and accessible guide for instructors.
- Clarify approaches that promote student engagement, participation, and deeper learning.
- Enhance readability and coherence, ensuring that active learning techniques are both research-based and practically applicable in face-to-face and online classrooms.
While AI-assisted drafting provided a structured foundation, all final content was reviewed, revised, and contextualized to ensure accuracy, alignment with research, and pedagogical effectiveness. This section remains grounded in institutional best practices and respects Creative Commons licensing where applicable.
