Activity

A concept map is a visual organization and representation of knowledge. It shows concepts and ideas and the relationships among them. You create a concept map by writing key words (sometimes enclosed in shapes such as circles, boxes, triangles, etc.) and then drawing arrows between the ideas that are related.

Inventor: Joseph D. Novak

Step 1

Watch this video to find out what 'concept mapping' means to this presenter, and how to use the software she is describing.

How to Make a Concept Map

Points for reflection

If you are familiar with the notion of 'mind-mapping'* what is the key difference between the presenter's description of concept-mapping and the mind-mapping you may be used to?
- Hint: Which do you think would be helpful for generating and grouping ideas, and which for sorting these ideas out into an overall structure you could use for your essay?
How would colour coding or highlighting help you to develop a paragraph structure?

Can I use Word to help me?

In a word, Yes!

In Word, choose 'insert' and select 'SmartArt'.
You can create a hierarchical plan that looks like this:

Mind map example

Moving on

Step 2