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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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