Synopsis
In this instructional story Tom wants to design his own car. Before leaping into the design he decides to build a concept map to clarify what he knows about cars. The story shows how Tom builds a concept map progressively. This is an important lesson for many learners who think that learning involves simply reading or reading information, or writing one set of notes to outline what they have read. Tom shows that to truly understand something you need to construct a concept map.
Background
A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships between concepts. You show relationships using linking lines and linking phrases. Two concepts joined by a linking phrase form a proposition, which is the basis of knowledge. Examples of linking phrases include:
• “gives rise to”
• “results in”
• “contributes to”
• “provide”
• “include”
• “can cause”
• “produce”
• etc.
Concept mapping was developed by Joseph D. Novak at Cornell University in the 1970s, to increase meaningful learning in the sciences.
The benefits of using concept maps:
• Non-linear construction and reading.
• Allow for dynamic integration of knowledge.
• Allow spatial arrangement.
• Show hierarchical structure of knowledge.
• Encourage you to draw connections.
• Promote propositional knowledge.
You can download CMapTools concept mapping software for your computer from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.