Concept Mapping
Concept Mapping
Concept Mapping is a visual learning strategy where learners create diagrams to represent relationships between concepts. It supports meaningful learning, critical thinking, and the integration of theory with practice.
Alternative/linked methods: Mind Mapping, Knowledge Mapping, Cognitive Mapping, Group Concept Mapping (GCM), Computer-Based Formative Concept Mapping (CBFCM)
Why?
- Promotes critical thinking
- Supports meaningful learning
- Improves academic performance
- Reveals misconceptions
- Enhances clinical reasoning
- Motivates learners
How?
- Start with a focus question or central concept
- Identify related concepts
- Organize concepts hierarchically
- Link concepts with labelled relationships
- Revise and reflect with peer/faculty feedback
When?
- Before learning to assess prior knowledge
- During learning to deepen understanding
- After learning for review or assessment
- In clinical or practical settings to link theory with practice
- In curriculum design and evaluation
Get Started
- Prompt: “Map the physiological, psychological, and social factors affecting patient recovery.”
- Use digital tools or whiteboards for group mapping
- Grade based on concept accuracy, hierarchy, and relationship quality
- Provide formative feedback before summative assessment
Digital Enhancement
- Use digital tools like Mindview, Miro, Padlet, MS Whiteboard for collaborative mapping with shared documents or whiteboards
- Integrate with digital games (e.g., CM-TTG)
- Asynchronous learning with iterative map building
- Embed concept mapping tasks in Moodle quizzes or assignments
Resources
- King’s College London Active Learning blog
- Feng-Ying Li, Gwo-Jen Hwang, Pei-Ying Chen, Yu-Jung Lin,Effects of a concept mapping-based two-tier test strategy on students’ digital game-based learning performances and behavioral patterns, Computers & Education, Volume 173, 2021, 104293, ISSN 0360-1315
- Scott R. Rosas, Corey Smith, Avery Eenigenburg, Chelsea BaileyShea, Kathleen Jerome, Maureen Millane,A large-scale, geographical approach to using group concept mapping for planning: The Teen Opinions Count (TOC) project,Evaluation and Program Planning,Volume 92, 2022, 102097, ISSN 0149-7189,
- Zeitz, L. (1993) “Computer-based concept mapping: Active studying for active learners.”
- Anderson-Inman, L. and Horney, M. (1996) ‘Computer-Based Concept Mapping: Enhancing Literacy with Tools for Visual Thinking’, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 40(4), pp. 302-306.
- Rosciano, A. (2015) ‘The effectiveness of mind mapping as an active learning strategy among associate degree nursing students’, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 10, pp. 93-99.