Concept+Mapping


 * Concept Mapping**

Concept mapping is a visual strategy often used to teach scientific processes. It shows various relationships among concepts and indicates the order and sequence of the concepts. It is useful as an organizer to identify the key concepts that were presented in a lecture or a text. A concept map is created as a tree-like structure, with the most inclusive concept at the top and the most general ones connected with lines to the first concept. A third level can be added until all the important ideas and relationships are identified. Concept maps can also contain events, objects, themes, activities, or other items related to the concepts being taught.
 * Description**

Method The teacher:
 * models the use of concept mapping by using the strategy whenever appropriate;
 * can use a concept map as an assessment device for students to demonstrate clear understanding;
 * demonstrates that cross-linking of concepts between one section and another reveals relationships between them.

Concept mapping:
 * Considerations**
 * can have connecting lines labeled with verbs to reinforce meanings of relationships;
 * can be used by both teachers and students to identify important concepts and their relationships.


 * Illustrations from the Mathematics Classroom**


 * Elementary**

Example 1 Students demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of _. In small groups, students research the characteristics of _ using a concept map to summarize their findings. At the top of the tree-like structure is _. In the middle are generic descriptors used by all groups. At the bottom, the concept map branches out to specify the features.

Example 2 NCTM Article Summary March 2011, Volume 17, Issue 7, Page 436 Concept mapping is a technique that offers students opportunities to demonstrate learning through performance. A concept map refers to a graphic or a visual representation of concepts with linking connections that show various relationships between concepts. This article gives an explanation of concept mapping, examples of math concept maps for elementary school students, and the benefits of the concept-mapping technique for both students and teachers.

Classification: Assessment, Geometry (see also Measurement), Activities

Additional Keywords: Activities; Geometry; Assessment


 * Secondary**

Students demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, principles, and purposes of _. The teacher leads a class discussion about the purposes of _. In small groups, students investigate one of these purposes and create a concept map that illustrates related concepts When students have developed further conceptual levels, they discuss connections revealed among key concepts.