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Concept maps can help learners better understand and retain information about a topic.
Concept maps are knowledge diagrams that show links between different aspects of an idea or phenomenon.
They can support 'visual learning'. This is where learners better understand and retain information when ideas, words and concepts are associated with images.
Concept maps:
- are usually hierarchical, starting with a core concept or question at the top of the diagram
- link a core concept with other concepts in the hierarchy
- link concepts to create meaningful statements called 'propositions' (for example, 'concept A limits the effect of concept B')
- can show how different kinds of knowledge connect
See this example of a concept map about physiological flexibility.
Other types of knowledge diagrams include:
- mindmaps (also known as 'spider diagrams')
- process diagrams/flow charts
How to design your course activities
You can use concept maps in your course to:
- explore learners' existing knowledge
- consolidate information they've recently learned
- help with revision
Depending on your course, you could ask learners to create a concept map on their own or in groups.
You could also use them as part of peer instruction. You could get learners to:
- Create a concept map (on their own or in groups)
- Share their concept maps with other learners
- Discuss the maps in small groups, and revise them based on the feedback learners get from each other
When setting a concept map exercise, tell your learners (or ask them to decide):
- what the concept map is meant to show/explain
- who it's for
You can use online tools like Cmap to create concept maps.