Concept Mapping: Types, History, Elements

One of the precious tools that impacts learners’ education effectively is “Concept Mapping”. The technique of making difficult concepts into meaning and easy to retain academic knowledge. 

In simple words:  Concept mapping allows students to develop deeper understanding of concepts and enhances their knowledge retention.  Through concept mapping children can memorise complex topics in a simpler way.

Concept mapping is not only limited to academics, instead it is widely used by corporations for organized and perfect work.

Sometimes concept mapping is also used for making links between previous topics and new topics, which allows children to make a relation between both the topics.  Concept making ideas are useful in both synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Here we will go point-to-point exploration of everything about concept mapping:

What is Concept Mapping?

Concept mapping is also known as concept diagram or conceptual diagram, is a technique which is used to make relations between two or more contexts. Concept mapping allows individuals to make connections between two objects through making proper links between them. 

Concept mapping allows children to remember different concepts in a single aspect by making relation about the topics.  Concept mapping simplifies the difficult concepts, making it easier for them to understand. 

Concept mapping is also known for enhancing the ability of individuals to think from different perspectives by enhancing students critical thinking skills. Concept maps use multiple branches and hierarchies in order to create a layer of the concepts.

What is Concept Mapping in Education

Concept mapping in education acts as a tool which allows students to create relationships between different concepts. Concept mapping is sometimes also denoted as mind mapping because of its shared features. 

Concept mapping is basically a visual representation of facts and figures in the form of charts, diagrams, maps, etc. Concept mapping is an incredible way to save time and enhance the knowledge retention of students by making difficult concepts simpler. 

Concept mapping or mind mapping helps in enhancing children’s mental health by making difficult concepts simpler. 

In the current education trend, teachers are using concept mapping techniques to make classes engaging and provide students with a positive learning environment.

Why is Concept Mapping Important in Learning?

Concept mapping is a widely used diagram-based tool that uses colourful visuals and short keywords to make complex topics simpler. A concept map includes charts, maps or diagrams, which enhances students’ ability for problem solving. 

Through concept maps, children are better able to retain information for a longer period of time. By making a concept map, individuals are better able to engage in studies, which makes learning more fun for them. Here is why concept mapping is important in learning.

1. Improved Understanding

Concept Mapping helps in enhancing the understanding level of children and individuals. Visual representation of concepts allows students to grasp difficult concepts more easily. 

Through concept mapping, students are better able to make relations between two or more concepts in a simpler way, which enhances their understanding level and develops a deeper understanding of the concepts. 

2. Enhanced Memory and Recall

Concept mapping allows students to integrate current topics with the existing topics to make the relationship between them. Through this, students are better able to understand the relation between two concepts. 

This strengthens their memory and knowledge as well as allows them to recall memories quickly, which helps in enhancing memory retention among students.

3. Facilitates Knowledge Integration

Concept mapping is known for enhancing the knowledge retention of students, which makes learning more impactful by connecting different concepts.  With the help of concept mapping, children are better able to integrate different aspects and adjust the correlation between them. 

Through concept mapping, children can easily memorise different concepts more rapidly. Through facilitation of knowledge, children develop confidence as well as boost students mental health.

4. Promotes Active Learning

Understanding the connections between concepts is another way that concept mapping is known to encourage students to learn actively. 

By combining various resources into one it increases the impact of learning and aids in the development of students critical thinking abilities. Concept mapping allows kids to interact more meaningfully and deeply with the material.

5. Enhances Communication and Collaboration

Concept mapping is noted for its ability to enhance communication skills as well as collaboration skills among students. With the help of concept mapping, children are better able to make differentiation, which is an essential aspect for effective communication.

Students can share their ideas, opinions and points of view as well as comprehend those of others through concept mapping. This helps in enhancing the collaborative learning environment among students, which allows them to explore their understanding level.

Types of Concept Mapping

Concept mapping is a broad term which contains mainly four types known as spider maps, flowcharts, hierarchy maps, and system maps. Every type of concept mapping is used for different purposes such as Brainstorming, process mapping, analysing relationships, knowledge sharing and so on. 

The different types of concept mapping allow students to explore different concepts and use the best techniques to implement more detailed exercises. The following are the types of concept mapping.

1. Spider Maps

Spider map is a well-known type of concept mapping tool, which is related to brain mapping and organising ideas. Through spider maps childrens can connect main topics with the sub topics, which is important for integrating different aspects. 

Spider map visually makes links between different topics with the main concept, which makes learning easy and effective. Spider mapping is ideal for memory retention, understanding complex subjects, analysing ideas and making concepts more simpler.

2. Flow Charts

Flow charts are the most widely used type of concept mapping, known for the visualisation of difficult concepts. Flow charts use an omnidirectional method of steps to connect various sequences related to each other. 

Flowcharts are incredible techniques used to outline the process for identifying inefficiencies, opportunities and areas of improvement. This technique provides better clarity, understanding and better communication skills.

3. Hierarchy Maps 

Hierarchy maps are a type of concept mapping tool that only focuses on organisational charts. Hierarchy maps are widely used in various aspects because of their formal aspect. 

Hierarchy maps basically create a tree-like structure with so many branches, and each branch connects the subtopic of the main idea. Hierarchy maps of concept mapping make it easier to disseminate information from lower to higher levels. 

4. System Maps

System Maps are widely used for a comprehensive overview of concepts. System Maps are important for making interactions between two processes. 

This type of concept maps are essential for problem-solving techniques, strategy building, and process analysis. System maps make relations with a wide range of subjects that helps in developing deep insights of complex topics.

History and Origin of Concept Mapping

The term concept mapping was first introduced by Dr. Joseph D. Novak in the year 1966 at Cornell University.

The theories of concept mapping were based on Dr. David Ausubel’s Book, in which he highlighted that new concepts can be learned through receptive learning.  In simple terms it can be understood as combining old knowledge with new knowledge to create simpler and more visually appealing concepts.

In order to implement the concept mapping various attempts were made by Dr. Joseph, in which he taught students of 6 years of age through mapping techniques to understand their responses. 

Later on, Maria Birbilli also applied the same method of concept mapping to understand their responses and understanding. Even McAleese’s concepts of knowledge also suggest a type of virtual space which allows learners to explore what they know and what not. 

Examples of Concept Mapping

Concept mapping does not have a limited scope and is widely used in every field including academics and professional spheres. Concept mapping is the same as brain mapping which makes connections between a range of contexts. 

Concept mapping is mostly used in every subject, creating a smooth facilitation of multiple ideas. Through concept mapping, children and individuals are better able to develop a deeper understanding of the subjects.  The following are some examples of concept mapping.

1. English Syntax Concept 

• Concept mapping is familiar with the usage of  English syntax. English means grammar, and using concept maps is necessary in order to understand the components of sentences.
• Also, subject-verb agreement, tense consistency and appropriate punctuation are all crucial grammatical elements used to make relationships between the English sentences.

2. Numbers Concept 

• The Numbers Concept deals with a wide range of numbers, such as natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers. 
• Concept mapping is essential in making relations between the numbers and their usage that exhibits properties to accumulate different data for analysis. 

3. History Concept

• Concept mapping is widely used in History for understanding the concepts of historical periods, such as understanding the prehistoric era, the ancient period, the Middle Ages, and the modern era. 
• Through concept mapping, it becomes easy to make relations between different historical periods. This allows students to easily understand the hierarchy of branches between these periods and their implications. 

4. Ray Optics

• Ray optics is basically a science concept, which deals with light, rays, beams and reflections. Concept mapping is widely used in understanding the laws of lights and reflection. 
• Ray optics is a term used for making the relationships between reflection and refraction.  The technique of concept mapping enables children to make a relation between two distinct ideas.

5. Sports and Games

• Concept mapping is also applicable to sports and games, which allows children to have brief knowledge about the categorisation of sports. 
• Every sport has their own rules and regulations, and using concept mapping allows candidates to have a better understanding of the relations. This helps in developing a better understanding of concepts and enhances their knowledge retention.

Key Elements of a Concept Mapping

Concept mapping includes some essential elements, which helps in making relations between different concepts. 

These elements include concepts, relationships, cross-links, and so on. Without the elements of concept mapping, it becomes difficult to draw any contexts or make any relations. Here you can check the elements of concept mapping below.

1. Concepts

Concepts are the most important aspect of concept mapping. The concepts include subjects, themes, ideas or topics that are indulged in the learning process. All concepts act as an important aspect on the map for making relations. 

Concepts can range in level of specificity from broad categories to more narrowly defined ideas. The concepts selected are crucial because they define the map’s scope and focus. 

2. Relationships

Making relationships between two different concepts is the main element of concept mapping. Concept mapping has an investigative nature, which is known for making relationships between two different concepts. 

Through understanding the relationships, children are better able to integrate different information. Relationships are formed through concept maps by means of connecting ideas with lines or arrows or even with labels that provide a clarification of the concepts.

3. Cross-links

Cross-links are basically connecting components which are used to connect different topics in the most common hierarchy.  Cross-links are important because they show how one idea is related to other ideas in the same category.

Because cross-links promote interdisciplinary connections and insights, they help students gain a deeper understanding of the subject. 

4. Focus Question

Focus questions are basically understandable orders that make learning more impactful through simplification of the projects.  

Focus questions in the concept maps are created for the purpose of promoting inquiry-based learning among students. This focus-based method of concept mapping allows children to enhance their critical thinking skills. 

5. Propositions

Propositions also act like a chain that defines the connection between two concepts, making it easier for students to understand. Propositions are basically topics, which are joined through other words or sentences in a single subject.

Propositions are also noted for creating a structured framework that makes a relation between two topics.

Popular Tools for Creating Concept Maps

A wide range of popular online tools can be used for creating concept maps. Through using the tools children can create their own mindmap that suits their learning goals and objectives.

These tools provide a flexible learning opportunity to students making it easier for them to understand difficult concepts. Here you can check some popular concept mapping tools.

1. MindMeister

MindMeister is a popular online mapping tool, which allows children to create mind maps as per their needs and ease. MindMeister is known for providing real-time collaboration, which enables students to work in real time and share group projects online. 

In MindMeister, students can add images, links, files, etc., through which they can create interactive mind maps. The shareable feature of this online tool allows students to indulge in brainstorming sessions, enhancing their project planning. 

2. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is another popular concept mapping tool, widely used by a maximum number of people. Lucidchart is easy and adaptable, which can be used to create concept maps, flowcharts and other visual representations. 

One major feature of Lucidchart is that it easily combines with other tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and Slack. Through Lucidchart, students can create their own charts and can work in groups as well as share them in real time.

3. Coggle

Coggle is an amazing online mapping concept tool, which is specially dedicated for creating concept maps and flowcharts. Coggle is easy to use and children can make their maps with the help of drag and drop interface. 

Through this flexibility, users can add branches and text images in a simpler and more convenient way. Coggle is also known for its real-time collaboration feature enabling users to work together and see changes in real time.

4. Draw.io

Draw.io is a free and popular mapping tool, which allows individuals to create any diagrams. Draw.io is known for its user-friendly interface, through which children can create their own diagrams, mindmaps, flow charts, and even more. This tool includes different shapes and icons, making it simple for students.

Draw.io is also known for using cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, through which children can save multiple files. 

5. XMind

Xmind is another popular tool known for concept mapping, through which students can easily create maps without any prior skills.

Xmind enables children to create unlimited maps with the help of free resources. Xmind is also known for the function of auto-embedding files, through which the completed files can be saved or shared into Google docs, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and so on. This also gives the flexibility of exporting files into JPEG and PDF formats.

How to Implement Concept Mapping: Quick Steps

Children can implement concept mapping through a wide range of effective strategies and by understanding the core concepts of events.

Concept mapping allows children to get a dynamic learning experience through understanding the information in a simpler and easier way. A concept map allows children to understand complex topics through memorisation of main contexts. 

Children can implement concept mapping techniques by various types of resources and tools, which is essential for the continuous growth and development of children.  Here are the ways to implement concept mapping.

1. Figure out the Core Concept

The idea of making a concept map starts with the understanding of core concepts about a topic. In the initial stage, students have to find the main idea in which they want to create their core concept. 

The main idea will act as a foundation for creating a concept map, making it simple to understand the work relationship. Through concept mapping, difficult concepts become easy and enable children to develop relationships between two concepts. 

2. Understood Brainstorm Related Concepts

Brainstorming is the main idea which is related to the core concept of the related terms. In this aspect, a task can be completed by making a comprehensive list of works, which are related to the primary idea. 

This method allows individuals to indulge in self-regulated learning by self-exploration and independent research. Through brainstorming sessions, students can easily relate different concepts to make new connections between ideas.  

3. Select a Tool and Structure

Once the ideas have been implemented, the next step is to select a concept mapping tool. A wide range of concept mapping tools is available that enable students to create their own according to their needs. 

Even children can create their mind map using pen and paper. While making, always choose a structure that can easily illustrate the concepts and make a relation between other ideas.   

4. Join Concepts with Lines and Labels

Now, to make the connections between main topics and related topics, it is essential to relate one another with connecting them through lines and branches.  

The line basically denotes the relationships between concepts and demonstrates the relation between two concepts. Through this, it becomes easy for students to understand the core concepts along with its different branches. 

5. Redefine and Customise

The final step of implementing concept mapping is through refining and continuous improvement. While making concept maps, always make sure that they modify it multiple times until it showcase the required changes or become easy to understand the concept. 

The main aim of concept mapping is to simplify the process of learning through categorisation. For this reason, try to modify it multiple times to improve the flow and readability. 

Common Mistakes of Concept Mapping and How to Avoid Them?

Children often make mistakes while creating a concept map; for this reason, it is necessary to check all the steps and processes while preparing it.  These mistakes create problems in understanding the concept, making it difficult for children to understand accurate information.  

Always create a simple and visual concept map, which should be brief and understandable. The following are the common mistakes that appear while creating concept mapping. 

1. Overcomplication of the Concept Map

Overcomplication of the concept map is a major problem that arises due to the overstuffing of words or information. Overcomplication of mind maps makes it lengthy and creates difficulty in understanding the subjects.  

The overstuffing of information hampers the visual representations of the maps and makes it overwhelming.

Solution for the Problem of Overcomplication of the Map

This problem can be avoided by using only keywords related to the key concepts, and using simple terms. While creating a concept map, it is essential to match only the necessary points to maintain clarity. Also, avoiding peripheral information also helps in making clear and precise information. 

2. Lack of Structure

Lack of structure in the concept mapping is another problem faced by children while creating maps. Due to lack of structure in concept mapping, it becomes difficult to understand the message clearly and hampers the visual effects. 

Solution to Avoid the Problem of Lack of Structure

This problem of lack of structure can be avoided through simplification of the maps by adding different hierarchies and making clear relations. Also by grouping different concepts allows easy navigation of ideas. By implementing this method, it clarifies the conceptual connections as well as enhances the readability of the message. 

3. Using Too Many Words

Using too many words in a single concept map will distract from the effectiveness of the understanding. Using too many words makes the sentences lengthy and makes it harder to understand the concepts, due to which it becomes overwhelming for students to understand. 

Avoiding the Problem of Too Many Words

The issue of using too much words can be tackled by removing the long texts and phrases. While creating a concept map, it is essential to make clear and conscious maps to avoid any misinterpretation of concepts. Simplifying hard concepts helps in developing a correlation between two aspects. 

4. Losing Sight of the Purpose

Losing sight of the purpose is a common problem that arises due to a shift from the main focus.  One of the reasons for this problem is using irrelevant information and resources which makes the designing of concept maps complicated, resulting in reduced effectiveness.  

Avoiding the Problem of Losing Sight of the Purpose 

This problem of losing sight can be tackled by setting up a clear objective, through understanding the main purpose of the information.  Also, receiving feedback for the problem allows it to stay on the right track as well as provides suggestions for improvement.

Future of Concept Mapping- Use of AI

AI has changed the educational experience by making it easier and more convenient.  AI used a wide range of tools and resources, which highlights the use of concept mapping in order to make information simpler.  

AI has changed the definition of concept mapping by making it a tool for effective communication.  Here is the future of concept mapping.

1. Automated Idea Generation and Organisation:

AI can be used for automated Idea generation and organising multiple concepts into single aspect.  AI helps in creating large data sheets by utilising AI algorithms, through which it becomes easy to make relations between large concepts. 

Utilising AI helps in the visualisation of complex data and produces quality data, which not only saves time but also assists students. 

2. Enhanced Learning and Knowledge Acquisition

AI enhances the learning experience of students by making a customised map based on the need and learning style of the individual. AI helps in adapting the content according to the structure of the maps using multiple aspects and subjects. 

AI helps in facilitation of deeper understanding of concepts making it easier for students to memorise concepts more easily. This AI method makes educational content effective and personalised.

3. Facilitating Collaboration and Individual Learning

One effective use of AI is it enables cooperative learning and real-time work, allowing individuals to collaborate with others.  Concept mapping tools which use AI can enhance teamwork and incorporate mapping processes. 

This enhances the overall capability of students by making them analyse more detailed exercises, especially through brainstorming. AI is also known for providing students with customised concept mapping tools, which enhance their knowledge retention.

4. Application in Various Fields

AI based concept mappings are adaptable in nature, which can be used in various fields such as, business, education, healthcare, etc.  With its adaptability, students can use AI for every field and enable them to create more detailed maps. 

AI makes relations simpler which can be easily used for the visualisation and simplification of multiple projects. 

Conclusion

Concept mapping is a popular mind mapping technique which helps in improving students’ knowledge retention by creating simple diagrams. Concept map allows children to memorise longer concepts with charts, diagrams, maps etc. Concept mapping is known for enhancing active learning and makes difficult concepts simpler through the graphical representation of concepts.

Concept mapping is not only limited to academics but is widely used in other fields and sectors. With the implementation of AI concept map has become more organized and easy to generate new ideas. 

Concept Mapping has become a more popular and simple tool for students to grasp the knowledge of difficult concepts and understand the relation between two concepts.

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