Novakian argument mapping Scaffolds critical thinking abilities and exam technique for extended writing.

What is the purpose of a Novakian argument map? To enable students to visually see how an argument is structured To reduce the cognitive load students often experience when faced with an exam question To organise information and strengthen memory recall

How do they work? Hierarchical Links are labelled using connectives Answer a focused question Can be read like a sentence Insert image of a Novakian map

Step 1: Students are given time to revise content using traditional mind maps/ revision activities.

Step 2: Students collate all the facts/ information that may be relevant to that topic. Raine (2002) Found aggressive behaviour may be caused by deficit in the prefrontal cortex. Biological explanations tend to use correlations. Turning to crime Biological explanations focus on genetics, brain dysfunction and hormones when explaining crime. The urine tests in Brunner’s case study showed higher levels of neurotransmitters associated with the MAOA disturbance. Biological explanations are deterministic.

Turning to crime Step 3: Students are given a set of defined phrases to connect the information. Biological explanations focus on genetics, brain dysfunction and hormones when explaining crime. Biological explanations tend to use correlations. Raine (2002) Found aggressive behaviour may be caused by deficit in the prefrontal cortex. Phrases can be adapted for particular questions or to suit different specifications. The urine tests in Brunner’s case study showed higher levels of neurotransmitters associated with the MAOA disturbance. Biological explanations are deterministic.

Turning to crime Step 4: Students use the Novakian map to prepare to answer specific exam questions. Proposes that Biological explanations focus on genetics, brain dysfunction and hormones when explaining crime. Is limited as This removes the cognitive load and enables students to make connections and apply higher thinking skills. Students can then be given writing frames/ guidance to complete essays if needed. Is supported by Biological explanations tend to use correlations. is in agreement with Raine (2002) Found aggressive behaviour may be caused by deficit in the prefrontal cortex. Brunner’s case study showed higher levels of neurotransmitters associated with the MAOA disturbance in the 11 males who were aggressive.. Biological explanations are deterministic. Reveals that

Research compared… They found that students’ work was: Students were asked to summarise a source article using one of these methods. The use of Novakian structures The use of connectives They found that students’ work was: Structurally flawed Had sequencing problems Had missing links in the argument This time it was evident: There was a visual representation of the content They were forced to articulate the relations between each element They were able to complete the task faster which may be due to the reduced cognitive load