Concept map is one of the underestimated learning and teaching tools, that many teachers forgot to integrate in their lesson or avoid due to their advanced level. Concept map is a graphic representation of thinking or essential thinking, which learner can use to find the links between concepts that appear to be separated (Binoy & Raddi, 2022). This is specifically what teachers need when they design or plan integrated lessons, they need to reveal the connection that helps students to make sense of what they learn. For example, if you are a teacher who designs an integrated unit you will start from a real-life problem that has multiple aspects that relate to science, technology, mathematics or history. The only way to show those connections would be laying them on a map and showing how they are connected, which is creating a concept map that links the different integrated disciplines to the essential problem. Another use for concept map is allowing teacher to move from whole to part within the same discipline in a way that allows deeper content analysis. Content analysis will assist in choosing the most suitable activity for each concept while keeping in mind how it connects to other concepts. A third way is using concept maps to connect the units of integrated curriculum to the main goals of the curriculum.
It is interesting to know that concepts maps were introduced to provide meaningful learning to students. According to literature the reason behind concept map existence, is to help achieve meaningful learning, they build bridges between ideas and concepts to guide student through learning. Bauman 2018 explains that concept maps were “originally introduced by Novak in 1972 as a tool to depict changes in children’s learning of science and their understanding of concepts”. (p. 215). Bauman also adds that concept maps can be used to “evaluate an individual’s or a group’s knowledge of a topic; to develop new ideas; to communicate complex ideas; to share knowledge; or to explain the goals of a particular course”. (2018, p. 215). If you started thinking about the uses of concept maps, they are unlimited, they can be used as a planning tool for lessons, units or curriculum.
Concept maps also allow teachers to help students draw connecting lines between the different concepts they learn, to be able finally to see the bigger picture which results in long-lasting learning. This is supported by Binoy & Raddi (2022) who agreed that concept maps encourage deeper learning and idea mapping assists with long-term memory. Based on a personal experience with high school students they are able to recall what learned using concept map easier compared to traditional notes, especially visual and verbal learners.
References
Bauman, A.
(2018). Concept maps: Active learning assessment tool in a strategic management
capstone class. College Teaching, 66(4), 213–221.
Binoy, S., & Raddi, S. A. (2022). Concept mapping to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. International Journal of Nursing Education, 14(2), 159–164. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijone.v14i2.18008
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