Why are these mapping techniques useful? A concept map is a diagram where each node contains an idea, concept or question which is linked together by branches to show their relationship to each other. A concept map does not always have to take the form of a web they can be presented as a tree diagram or organizational chart, as an input or output tree or as a flow chart. Combining keywords, images and color, this highly structured method of concept mapping has become popular with all ages for note taking, brainstorming and creative thinking. Other types of concept maps have been developed for particular uses: tree diagrams for structured hierarchical diagrams such as organizational charts, input and output trees for showing processes.
Concept mapping has been used in education for over 30 years for a variety of tasks including visualizing a concept, note taking and revision. In fact a study by the Institute for the Advancement of Research in Education, which examined 29 scientifically-based studies on the use of such techniques in schools, found that they can lead to improved performance in many areas including:
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Note taking
- Critical thinking
- Higher order thinking
- Learning a foreign language
- Problem solving, particularly in maths
- Comprehension and retention of scientific material and concepts
- Retention and recall of information
If we look at the list above, we find that all the areas improved through the use of concept maps have also been identified as areas of difficulty for learners who have dyslexia, dysphasia or dyscalculia. In addition
- Concept mapping can also help with time management, planning and organization - additional issues that may cause concerns for those with specific learning difficulties.
- Visual thinking is preferred by many people with dyslexia and seeing information graphically can increase both creativity and retention. Images can be used instead of words and features such as changing colors; re-sizing and spatial position can be used to convey information on topics, importance or actions to be taken.
- Structuring a linear piece of work can be made easy by enabling ideas and concepts easily rearranged in a map which concept mapping software can convert into a linear document or presentation without having to worry about sentence structure or grammar.
- Concept maps enable large amounts of information to be stored graphically making them a useful memory and revision tool By using keywords on branches you can quickly get an overview of a subject. Images and color can trigger ideas, categories or subjects. Add links pointing to files, references or web sites for further information.
- Presenting a concept or problem graphically can help many learners understand links and relationships making concept maps a great tool across the curriculum. As concepts and problems can be analyzed without requiring good literacy skills they provide an inclusive learning tool for learners of all literacy abilities.
- Generating ideas and getting them down on paper can be difficult for those with Specific Learning difficulties. Concept maps facilitate this task: start with a problem or topic. Note ideas, concepts, keywords, processes or images relating to it. These form the "nodes" of the map. You then add further ideas, branches, to start building up the diagram. This can also introduce hierarchy into your map as some ideas will be a subset of others or can be grouped together. It quickly becomes a map.
