WHAT IS A CONCEPT MAP?

A concept map represents the relationships between a set of related concepts and ideas. By designing a concept map, your aim is to make your mind to be seen, or by a concept map, you reflect on what you know and what you don't know. This reflection is made through words that are in rectangular boxes called nodes or cells that contain a concept, item or question and links. Furthermore, each of them is connected to other concept boxes by arrows or lines. These lines or arrows determine the relationship between the concepts. Major concept boxes will have lines to and from several other concept boxes; as a result, there becomes a network.

Mapping may be seen as a type of brainstorming, they are used to encourage the generation of a new material. Moreover,
as long as you create the concept maps, you can easily organize information about a problem or subject.

 

KINDS OF CONCEPT

 

• Flowchart Concept Map
  

The flowchart concept map organizes information in a linear format.

 

• Hierarchy Concept Map
  

The hierarchy concept map presents information in a descending order of importance. The most important information is placed on the top. Distinguishing factors determine the placement of the information.

 

• Systems Concept Map
  

The systems concept map organizes information in a format which is similar to a flowchart with the addition of 'INPUTS' and 'OUTPUTS'.

 

• Spider Concept Map
  

The "spider" concept map is organized by placing the central theme or unifying factor in the center of the map. Outwardly radiating sub-themes surround the center of the map.

 

WHERE CONCEPT MAPS ARE USED?

 

    Concept Maps are very successful in transmitting data and knowledge in many fields. Some of the fields where Concept Maps have been used include teaching, engineering, management, and science. In a specific way, concept maps are used in:

• An easy way to take notes during lecture.
  
• Helpful to group or individual brainstorming.
  
• Planning your studies and career.
  
• Providing graphics for your presentations and term papers
  
• A way to outline your term papers and presentations.
  

References:
sern.ucalgary.ca/courses/cpsc/547/f97/ InformalConceptMaps/inform.html, classes.aces.uiuc.edu/ACES100/Mind/CMap.html, www.utc.edu/Teaching-Resource-Center/concepts.html, http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Education/birds/concept/cm4a.htm