This week, I got to review several different instructional strategies that correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory. In the classes that I teach, and can see a better way to use concept maps that will help my students with their understanding. The concept maps that are on-line and interactive with students will not only reinforce the material that they have already researched, but it will help them build on their prior knowledge to expand on the central concept or node and create a detailed concept map that they can then review from before be assessed over the information. Many of us are visual learners and seeing how the information flows helps retain that information for later retrieval.
In an effort to move all classrooms into the today's technologically savvy environment, this type of interactive concept is great for teachers and students to use. It does not necessarily have to be used for reviewing before an assessment, it can be used to start brain-storming ideas, building on prior knowledge, etc. Having the students interact with a concept map is a good method to keep students engaged, on task, and creative. There are many web sites that offer these tools and many are free. I believe that interactive concepts maps can be used in any discipline and helps reinforce the use of technology in the classroom.
Hi Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteYes--interactive concept maps offer so many instructional possibilities. I love the way they allow us to convey to students (or let them discover through making maps) the relationships between overarching concepts and supporting details. They make excellent study sheets and provide a framework for students who are novices to better understand how an expert might organize information.
When working with others, students can get the benefits of others' perspectives.
Thanks for sharing.
Jeremey,
ReplyDeleteAfter using concept maps for the first time this week, I think there are many different ways they can be used in the classroom. The way concept maps can show relationships would be an excellent visual aid to help students not only hear, but also see what they are studying. The relationships with different quadrilaterals, for example, might help students see the difference instead of just hearing about them.
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment of concept maps and their benefit in engaging student learning. Concept maps are also excellent tools for visually connecting ideas for continued study and elaboration. They can be linked with maps from other disciplines to form a greater network of connections and ultimately lifelong retention of knowledge.
David Vickery