Concept Mapping 101

We taught an old technique
new tricks

We didn’t invent concept mapping – we made it even more efficient and useful!

Interactive Demo

What is concept mapping?

Hint: Concept maps are not mind maps

Concept maps are organized sets of propositions that express statements of knowledge. Concepts in boxes are linked by specific phrases that describe their relationships. The linking phrases set Cmaps apart.
 
Concept mapping is a process of figuring out which concepts to include and how to relate and organize them in order to answer a focus question.
 
Our best suggestion for in-depth exploration is Novak’s

Why concept mapping for assessment?

For starters, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) calls for concept mapping as an Interactive Computer Task in the Science Framework

Inclusion in the NAEP means that the validity and reliability of Cmapping for assessment has already been established.
 
By having learners engaged in concept mapping activities, we can assess what they and how they use higher order thinking. In fact, there are lots of ways to do it – Sero! implements the best practices, most efficiently.
 
You can read about the NAEP’s approach and supporting research here.
 

What do WE know about concept mapping?

Our CEO literally wrote a book on it!

Five decades of research has demonstrated the benefits of
concept mapping – from observed advantages in individual classrooms to
demonstrated gains in national level standards testing.
 
Concept maps have been used around the globe, at all levels of learning, and in scores of topic areas. The International Conference of Concept Mapping is a great place to engage, explore, and share. And check out Applied Concept Mapping: Capturing, Analyzing, and Organizing Knowledge.
  

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