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Although a few 20th-century educators claimed
to have
"invented" them,
concept maps are
an ancient tool for learning.
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Also known as mind maps, these tools
are simply a way to visualize a concept.
Concept maps are diagrams that related different elements of a
concept to each other and/or to the main idea. These diagrams can be
simple or complex --depending on your own style of learning and what helps you
understand the concept. |
One easy way of drawing a concept map is to draw a box with
name of the concept:
Then add boxes that help define or clarify or describe the
concept:
You can add as many layers as you need to fill out what you
need to learn about the concept:
Notice that the above map emphasizes only certain aspects of
the concept of "anatomy." It could certainly be more
complete. It could also emphasize things a little differently --in a way
that would make more sense TO YOU. The idea is to draw a map that makes
sense to you --that helps you learn what you need to learn about the concept in
a way that you can "see the concept" easily.
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 For examples of how a concept map can be
used
to draw a complicated concept,
look at these concept maps in the textbook
Anatomy
and Physiology:
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Box 16-12 Diabetes mellitus p.
629
A complex web-style diagram showing how this disease
causes its signs and symptoms.
Figure 16-18 Action of
hypothalamic hormones p.610
Diagram shows the relationships of a
group hormones: their sources, targets, and action.
Figure 1-14 Basic components of homeostatic control
mechanisms p. 25
A simple loop-style diagram showing how regulation in
the body works.
Figure 6-8 How genes affect skin color p.
205
An illustrated flow-chart style diagram showing how
different factors influence the color of a person's skin. Notice
how the cartoons add to the text in this one.
Figure 12-27 Summary of synaptic transmission.
p. 455
Another flow-chart, this one without illustrations,
showing the two paths the process of nerve transmission can
take.
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As you can see, there are many styles of concept maps and
different degrees of complexity.
Remember, both MAKING the map and STUDYING the map will help
you learn.
Here are just a few examples from the A&P
Learning Outlines:
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Click image for an
enlarged view of a "plan of attack" using both
antibody-mediated immunity and cell-mediated immunity |
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The
"big picture" of respiratory function
Click on image to enlarge it |
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Role
of medullary respiration centers in quiet and heavy breathing
Click image to enlarge it |
All of the examples given just above were made
with the computer software Inspiration
7, which is available on some of the computers in the Science Resource Room
at SCC (ADM 2411).
You may also want to try
FreeMind
which is a free software program for mind mapping.
For more examples and how-to hints on concept mapping, check
out the links in the table below:
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