How Learning Works

APPENDIX B What Are Concept Maps and How Can We Use Them?

Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge (Novak & Cañas, 2008). They are drawn as nodes and links in a network structure in which nodes represent concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes, and links represent relationships, usually indicated by lines drawn between two associate nodes. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts.

Both your students and you can benefit from the construction of concept maps. You can ask students to draw concept maps to get insight into what they already know and how they represent their knowledge. You can then use that information to direct your ...