Concept Mapping
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Why Use a Concept Map?
The way you structure information influences how well you understand, remember, and apply it. A concept map visually shows the relationships between different ideas. These are some of the learning benefits associated with concept maps:
Enhances Understanding & Recall
- Breaks down complex topics into digestible parts
- Clarifies relationships between ideas
- Strengthens memory retention through visual connections
Encourages Active Learning
- Promotes deeper engagement with the material
- Helps structure thoughts and connect new ideas
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Supports Studying & Problem-Solving
- Ideal for exam prep, quick reviews, and brainstorming
- Organizes information for better comprehension
- Helps identify gaps in knowledge
Adaptable & Engaging Across Subjects
Concept maps work for any subject, making learning more interactive and creative. Examples include:
- Biology: Mapping metabolic pathways or ecological systems
- Engineering: Visualizing the components of a mechanical system
- Economics: Connecting supply, demand, and market forces
- Psychology: Illustrating cognitive development theories
- Political Science: Analyzing government structures and policies
- Philosophy: Tracing connections between ethical frameworks
- Business: Mapping corporate strategy or organizational behavior
How Do I Create My Own Concept Map?
- Choose a Tool for Creating Your Concept Map
- Manual Methods: Use a whiteboard or paper and pens/pencils for brainstorming and drawing.
- Digital Tools: Software or apps like MindMeister, Lucidchart, Coggle, or XMind provide polished, editable maps.
- Define the Central Concept
- Choose the main idea or theme you want to explore.
- This will be the central concept, placed at the top or center of your map.
- Brainstorm Related Concepts
- List all the relevant concepts connected to your central idea. These can be subtopics, components, or key details.
- CTL’s general note-taking guide can help with tips on taking effective notes.
- Choose an Organizational Structure
- Arrange concepts in a way that best represents their relationships. Common structures include:
- Hierarchy (broad ideas at the top, specific ones below)
- Process Map (step-by-step flow)
- Cause-and-Effect (shows how one idea leads to another)
- Network (web of interconnected ideas)
- Arrange concepts in a way that best represents their relationships. Common structures include:
- Show Relationships with Connecting Lines
- Draw lines or arrows between related concepts.
- Add cross-connections to link ideas across different branches.
- Use Linking Words or Phrases
- Write short phrases on the connecting lines to explain relationships. Examples:
- “Leads to”
- “Depends on”
- “Is a type of”
- “Produces”
- Write short phrases on the connecting lines to explain relationships. Examples:
- Review and Refine
- Check for clarity and logical flow.
- Adjust by adding, removing, or rearranging concepts as needed.
Concept maps can vary based on purpose, but here’s a simple example to help you get started!
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Concept Mapping
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 License. You may reproduce it only for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: Center for Teaching and Learning, Stanford University.