Introduction to Concept Mapping Dr. Xudong William Yu Computer Science SIUE

Rote Learning (Memorization) Why Concept Mapping? Rote Learning (Memorization) vs. Meaningful Learning

Meaningful Learning Learning occurs when new knowledge is added to an existing knowledge structure Knowledge is constructed; NOT discovered Three requirements Relevant prior knowledge Meaningful material Learner must choose to learn meaningfully

What is a Concept Map? Tool for organizing and representing knowledge Directed Graph-based Knowledge Representation Concepts a perceived regularity in events or objects, or records of events or objects, designated by a label Propositions (Linking Words) statements about some object or event in the universe, either naturally occurring or constructed contain two or more concepts connected with other words to form a sentence

An Example

Some Characteristics Concepts are often structured in hierarchical fashion Most general concepts arranged at the top and less general concepts arranged lower in the map Knowledge is organized into domains Use Cross-links to represent relationships between concepts crossing different domains. This helps us see how domain knowledge items are related to each other.

History of Concept Maps Research program to sought children's understanding, based on learning psychology of David Ausubel(1963, 1968, 1978) Ausubel’s idea: Learning takes place by the assimilation of new concepts and relationships into existing concept propositional frameworks held by the learner. What is the origin of the first concept? Children acquired this during the age of birth to three years when they identify regularities around them and begin to identify language levels or symbols for these regularities (Macnamara, 1982)

Types of Learning Reception learning: Discovery learning: New meanings are obtained by asking questions to discover relationship between known and unknown. Concepts attributes are described (by others) using language Discovery learning: With sufficient experience and prior knowledge, a learner may discover new knowledge independently. Concepts’ attributes are identified autonomously by a learner

Reception Learning Rote learning: Learning is basically memorization or saving knowledge so it can be used later. Advantages: No processing required. Saves time? Some AI programs use this technique Disadvantages: Knowledge retrieval is the problem

Reception Learning Meaningful learning: Advantages: Key: Materials must be conceptually clear, presented with language and examples related to the learner’s prior knowledge. Materials must relate new knowledge to prior knowledge. Advantages: Active learning: the learner interacts with environment and manipulate objects Constructive learning: the learner must establish relationship between new knowledge and prior knowledge Authentic learning: thoughts and ideas rely on the contexts in which they occur in order to have meaning Key: Intentional learning, learning depends on learners

Learning process Understanding of learning by considering Human memory: J.D.Novak “The Theory of Underlying Concept Maps and How To Construct Them” Cornell University.

Constructing Concept Maps Choose a segment of text or laboratory activity, or a particular question that you are trying to understand Select concepts. Order them from most general to least general Construct an arbitrary concept map Use a computer software program for achieving greater flexibility. Inspiration is available in CS Lab (EB1036)

Constructing Concept Map After preliminary map is constructed, it is usually a good idea to look for ways to improve the map. Good concept maps are revised several (>=3) times.

Example: What is a plant?

A Bad Concept Map .

Another Example - Data Storage

Macro and Micro Concept Maps Macro map: Provides global view of a system. Micro map: Provides more specific view of the instructional program.

Macro and Micro Concept Maps Example of a macro map constructed for the MARS operation J.D.Novak “The Theory of Underlying Concept Maps and How To Construct Them” Cornell University.

Macro and Micro Concept Maps Example of a micro map constructed for the Human Exploration in the macro map J.D.Novak “The Theory of Underlying Concept Maps and How To Construct Them” Cornell University.

Questions

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