Using Concept Mapping to Strengthen Students Analytic Skills Best Practices Conference May 19, 2003 Linda Ehley & Leona Truchan

Goal of Session Become aware of the value of visual tools in analytical skill development Practice creating a concept map Introduce Inspiration as vehicle to simplify creating visual tools

Audience Background Who has used concept mapping as a vehicle for learning? Who has used any software for concept mapping?

Historical Development of Concept Mapping Four broad basic patterns of knowledge organization –Hierarchical - main concept with sub-concepts underneathHierarchical –Conceptual - central ideas with supportive facts, characteristicsConceptual –Sequential- arranging events in chorological order (cause/effect, process/product, problem/solution)Sequential –Cyclical - series of events within a process in a circular formationCyclical

Visual Tools For Constructing Knowledge Graphic organizers i.e. -Conceptual mapping Benefits of Visuals Tools –Focuses attention on key elements –Helps integrates prior knowledge with new knowledge –Enhances concept development –Enriches reading, writing and thinking –Aides writing by supporting, planning & revising –Serves as assessment and evaluation tool

Pedagogical Reasons Vehicle to enhance analytical reading –Helps student identify major and minor concepts –Writing on links helps student see relationships between concepts

Pedagogical Reasons (cont.) Fosters lateral thinking and creates visual representation of connections –Last Days of Wonder DrugsLast Days of Wonder Drugs

Pedagogical Reasons (cont.) Alternative way to organize information –Alternative ViewAlternative View

Pedagogical Reasons (cont.) Allows for Individual learning styles –High ContentHigh Content –Writing For the WebWriting For the Web

Inspiration Software Current version 7.0 Several different versions and types –Kidspiration - version for children –Versions out there - 2 to 7

Overview of Inspiration Program works on both platforms Terminology –Symbol - concepts –Links - connections between concepts: clarification or examples –Relationships - linear or lateral Directions for using Inspiration (handout)

Task for Participants Read article –SARS - Newsweek May 5, 2003 Use Inspiration to create a concept map of the article Share with your neighbor

References Bromley, K., Irwin-De Vitis, L., and M. Modlo. (1995). Graphic Organizer Visual Strategies for Active Learning, Scholastic Professional Books, Scholastic Inc., New York. Hyerle, David, (1996). Visual Tools for Constructing Knowledge, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Novak, J.D., and B. D. Gowin. (1984) Learning How to Learn. Cambridge, England:Cambridge University Press Visual Learning -- The Virtual Institute --The graphic Organizer Clearing House on Information and Technology

Questions/Comments?

Hierarchical

Conceptual

Sequential

Cyclical