STWEL: Concept Mapping
Concept Mapping (d=0.62). The creation of graphic, hierarchical representations of course content. When students arrange new information, connecting it to what they know, they learn best.
Semantic maps offer a visual way of viewing “meaning-based connections between a word or phrase and a set of related words or concepts” (source: Reading Rockets).
1- Background Research
Concept maps, diagrams, mindmaps, and semantic webs: these words evoke complex creations, calling to mind the spider webs. The right tools at hand mimic paper and pencil, tapping into our generative powers.
When you grasp a writing tool, you seize the chaotic energy of your mind. You seek to reflect the constellations of thought and map them. There are benefits to this thought cartography.
In the online compendium of research on evidence-based instructional strategies, those benefits are clear because all of these strategies have a thought mapping component which requires students to create a thought map or take notes.
Below is an edited description of each of these strategies from the Visible Learning MetaX database.
Phase of Learning: Surface Learning
Vocabulary Programs (d=0.62). This includes programs to build vocabulary, including subject matter vocabulary. It also includes making semantic maps to find connections to other words. This last item, making word connections via concept sorts and the Frayer Model, is most relevant. Learn more.
Note-Taking (d=0.33). This involves students making notes in a systematic manner. Note-taking increases engagement, generative learning, and greater self-efficacy. Learn more.
Phase of Learning: Deep Learning
Outlining and Summarizing (d=0.62). Involves identifying the main ideas and rendering them in one’s own words. The core skill is being able to differentiate between main and supporting ideas.
Concept Mapping (d=0.62). The creation of graphic, hierarchical representations of course content. When students arrange new information, connecting it to what they know, they learn best.
These strategies focus on drawing pictures to capture the firefly ephemerae of thought. What’s next?
Here are some Jamboard Frayer Model Templates in One Place
Engaging in Metacognition
As I create a concept map, an outline, or take notes, I am full of questions that may include:
Should I build my understanding around this main idea?
Is this the main idea? What are the supporting or related concepts?
How do main idea and the supporting ideas connect to what I already know?
How can I best represent or arrange ideas to reflect what I know and what I am learning?
This self-interrogation is ever-present in all the strategies that involve diagramming and concept mapping. It is present in other strategies to integrate with prior knowledge (d=0.93), self-regulation (d=0.53), and others.
2- Guiding Questions
Meaningful learning “results when a person consciously and explicitly ties new knowledge to relevant concepts they already possess” (Stoica, Moraru, and Miron, 2010, p. 568 as cited).
- Does the tool make it easy to build hierarchical organizations of diagrams and ideas?
- How easy does the tool make it to access and edit or revise content?
- Can learners capture self-talk and questions about the intellectual tasks they work on in the tool?
- Does this tool cost money and how might I deploy it in the classroom?
3- Digital Tools
The quick list of tools available to educators and learners include the following:
Google Drawings: This is a core component of Google Workspace. Learners can combine hierarchical maps and outlines in one document. Although it may mean more work, you can do quite a bit within the limits of Drawings. An added benefit? Use it with Google Classroom. Start drawing online at drawings.google.com.
Diagrams.net: Saves to Google Workspace. This is one of my favorite, free tools for creating concept maps, as well as diagrams. Get started with Diagrams.net via app.diagrams.net.
yED Live: This easy-to-use diagramming and mapping tool is available as free, open source. You can run a program on your Windows computer or access it via a web browser. It is incredibly versatile and saves to Google Drive. yEd Live makes it a simple matter to share your creations with others.
Cmap Cloud: This venerable desktop mapping tool has made the jump to the cloud in this version. Like yED Live, it offers simple functionality as a cross-platform and browser-based tool. Unfortunately, it lacks saving to Google Drive and student account creation. Educators may still want to try out this tool for academics. Watch some videos to get started.
Visual Paradigm Online: With no limits on use, this free tool has a lot to offer educators. Like the others on this list, Google Drive integration is built in, as is collaboration. You can make quite a bit before you run into the “Upgrade Required” message for some diagrams. This isn’t dis-similar to some infographic tools, offering a rudimentary creative space.
Creately Diagrams: Similar to Lucidchart, you will need to pay for this diagram tool. It has a lot to offer, of course, at a cost. You can start for free to make fantastic concept maps, hierarchies of ideas, and more. It also features thousands of templates and shapes you can use for inspiration.