Key Ideas Underlying Concept Maps and How They are Used Joseph D. Novak Professor Emeritus, Cornell University Senior Research Scientist Institute for Human and Machine Cognition jnovak@ihmc.us Haines City, FL, February 25, 2006
Based on: A Theory of Knowledge A Theory of Learning
A Theory of Knowledge All knowledge is built up from Concepts and Propositions
A Theory of Knowledge Concept: A perceived regularity or pattern in events or objects, or records of events or objects, designated by a label
A Theory of Knowledge Proposition: Two or more concepts combined to form a statement about something: a unit of meaning
A Theory of Knowledge Concept Maps: A tool to represent the Structure of knowledge
Concept Map about Concept Maps
New Theory of Learning Key idea: Each person must construct her/his own meanings for concepts and propositions from experiences over time, building her/his knowledge structure
Traditional Model of Instruction
Key Memory Systems of the Brain Short-Term Memory Working Long-Term Affective System Motor Information Input
A 4-year old concept mapping relatives
Learning may vary from highly rote to highly meaningful
Learning by rote usually leads to rapid forgetting.
an Audio- Tutorial lesson in 1966 A first grade child studying electricity in an Audio- Tutorial lesson in 1966
Birth of Concept Maps Overwhelmed by hundreds of transcripts from interviews with children, we sought a better way of representing changes in children’s understanding of science concepts Thus was born the tool we call concept maps
Paul’s ideas about the nature of matter , Grade 2
Paul’s ideas about the nature of matter , Grade 12
The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition created CmapTools in the 1990’s and continue to refine the tools.
One of the concept maps for Algebra 1 created at UNF.
David Ferrera’s concept map. Web site http://www.geocities.com/dmacias_iest/Conceptual.html
C-Maps as Navigational Tool
An overview concept map for Mars Exploration showing some resources attached to this map.
New Model for Education CmapTools together with the Internet Permits development of a New Model for Education
We can provide “expert skeleton” concept maps to guide learners.
Proyecto Conectate seeks to introduce all 4th-6th students in Panama to use CmapTools and the Internet to build their own knowledge models
Panamanian chidren are excited about learning this way.
All kinds of learning experiences can be integrated to create a digital portfolio.
You are pioneers who shall help to transform Mathematics Education.
You are pioneers who will help to transform education in Florida!
Thank you