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Concept Maps
Slide 1
Concept Maps
• Theoretical foundation
• What are they?
• Some examples
• Possible roles
• Downside
• Software Tools
Theory of Meaningful Learning
• “If I had to reduce all of
educational psychology to just
one principle, I would say this:
The most important single
factor influencing learning is
what the learner already knows.
Ascertain this and teach him
accordingly"
David Ausubel
Meaningful Learning
• Primarily addresses the acquisition
and use of knowledge
• Meaningful learning is controlled by
the learner
• New information is related to
information already known by the
learner
• New information is assimilated into
existing knowledge frameworks
Three Components of
Meaningful Learning
• learner's relevant prior knowledge
• meaningful material
• learner choice to use meaningful
learning
• Meaningful learning is distinguished
from rote learning in that rote
learning often omits underlying
reasons for rules, practices, and
procedures
What are Concept Maps?
• Invented by Joe Novak – who was influenced by
Ausubel
• Concept maps include
– Concepts (usually enclosed in circles or boxes)
– Relationships between concepts (connecting line &
linking word)
– Hierarchical structure – most general at top, more
specific at bottom
• Depends on context in which knowledge is being
applied/considered
– Cross-links between concepts in different domains of
the map
– Specific examples
Varied Purposes
• to generate ideas (brain storming, etc.)
• to design a complex structure (long texts,
hypermedia, large web sites, etc.)
• to communicate complex ideas
• to aid learning by explicitly integrating
new and old knowledge
• to assess understanding or diagnose
misunderstanding.
Constructing Good Maps
• Identify a particular problem or question
or laboratory activity (domain) that is to
be understood. (creates context to help
determine hierarchical structure)
• Identify key concepts that apply to the
domain
• Rank concepts from most general to most
specific (this is a loose, approximate
ranking)
Software
• Cmap
• Inspiration
Why do we have seasons?
What is a plant?
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Plants
Petals
Color
Green
Flowers
Roots
Stems
Leaves
Seeds
Food
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Sun
23.5 Degrees Tilt
Amount of Sunlight
Summer
Slight Variation in Distance
Winter
Position in Orbit
Negligible Effect
Seasonal Temperature
Variations
• Height of Sun Above Horizon
• Length of Day