Using Concept Maps for Student Engagement and Learning

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Using Concept Maps for Student Engagement and
Learning

• 16-Feb-2007
• Center for Teaching Excellence
• Workshop

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Tentative Map

• Introduction and some background
• Building a simple map
• Develop a learning task
• Evaluation
• Wrap-up

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Some Definitions

• Graphic organizers
• Visual organizer
• Mind maps
• A graphic representation generally around a
  central idea
• Concept maps
• Words/Ideas/concepts are connected by relations
  statements

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Graphic Organizers
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Mind Map Examplehttp//www.peterussell.com/indexm
ap.gif
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Concept Map
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(No Transcript)
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Tools

• Pencil and paper
• Computer programs
• C-map http//cmap.ihmc.us/download/index.php?myPla
  tWin
• Inspiration http//www.inspiration.com/freetrial/i
  ndex.cfm
• Mind map http//www.visual-mind.com/concept_edu.ht
  ml
• Etc.
• Learning Curve
• Shallow

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Uses

• Self-learning
• Brainstorming
• Group work
• Collaborative work
• AP-biology http//scienceredesign.jot.com/WikiHome
  /bioTeam2
• Student/Class exercises
• A form of active learning
• Assessment

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Use Levels

• At the class level
• Set of concepts or relationships
• At the unit level
• Connections of concepts with a testable unit
• At the course level
• As an overview or back view of a course
• At the curriculum level
• Across interconnected courses

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Limitations

• Work for some but not others
• Visual Learners
• Webs vs. flow diagrams
• Sequential organizers
• Often prefer outline form
• Evaluation may be difficult
• Depends on their purpose and use

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Activity One

• Discipline Language
• Make a list of 6-8 words/idea for a class or
  lesson
• The construct a representative concept map with
  relationship statements
• Share with your partner and then copy on to the
  transparency

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Activity Two

• Develop a learning task using a concept map to
  facilitate student learning of a larger more
  integrated knowledge domain
• Share the task with your partner
• Develop a scaffold map that you might give the
  students
• Diagram the task on the transparency

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Activity Three

• Develop a grading rubric for one of your concept
  map task
• Try using a 4 X 3 rubric
• Four dimensions with three levels of competency

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Thank You

• QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?

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Thank You

• Spencer Benson, Ph.D.
• Center for Teaching Excellence
• University of Maryland College Park
• sbenson_at_umd.edu
• phone [phone]
• http//www.cte.umd.edu
• "Teaching is leading students into a situation in
  which they can only escape by thinking"