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Using concept maps for communication in Science

Using concept maps for communication in Science. Peter Donnan Centre for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Scholarship University of Canberra. Overview of lecture (Part 1). In this part of the lecture: Why are concept maps useful? How do you construct concept maps?

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Using concept maps for communication in Science

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  1. Using concept maps for communication in Science Peter Donnan Centre for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Scholarship University of Canberra

  2. Overview of lecture (Part 1) In this part of the lecture: • Why are concept maps useful? • How do you construct concept maps? • What are some concept mapping programs? Purpose: to provide an introduction to concept mapping and supporting material for Tutorial1.

  3. Key references http://ucspace.canberra.edu.au/display/CONCEPT Alternatives; description; equipment; examples; hardware; presentations; process; purpose; related concepts; software Novak, J. & Carias, A. (2006). The theory underlying concepts maps and how to construct them. [Online] Available at: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

  4. Concept mapping: Introduction • Visual representation and inter-relation of the content of a topic/subject • Making sense of complex information in a holistic way • Brain: interprets incoming information to make meaning – picture worth a thousand words • We view the world through mindsets, biological necessities; (Snyder) but “We become creative by finding a likeness between things which were not alike before” (Bronowski)

  5. Scientific thinking Scientific thinking: • Observation, experiments • Quantitative, measures • Inductive thinking – from data to theory • Scientific laws – predictable, universal Is there a place in science for holistic intuitive thinking?? • Archimedes's famous Eureka moment in the bath • Brain research: a small region on the right side of the brain lights up • Archimedes: bath water overflow: realised he could use water displacement to work out the volume

  6. Left brain Thinking logical sequential rational analytical objective focuses on parts Miller's Magic Number: 7 items (+2 or -2) held in Short-Term Memory Right brain thinking random intuitive holistic synthesising subjective focuses on wholes Chunking strategies; mental models; domain knowledge Left/right brain thinking

  7. How does your brain process this? I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer bein the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

  8. Uses/purposes of concept maps Representing thinking • personal organisation • plan and manage projects • capture innovative thinking • communicate ideas, findings etc • curriculum maps, advance organisers, structure of topic/discipline • brainstorming, capture present knowledge, summaries • “new knowledge creation is a constructive process involving both our knowledge and our emotions” (Novak & Canas)

  9. Elements of concept maps • Structure – hierarchical? hyperlinked? branches? Groupings? • Linking – relationship between concepts, arrows, connectors, prepositional inserts etc • Idiosyncratic/personal – multiple perspectives of domain – varies with individuals

  10. How to construct concept maps (Novak & Canas, 2006) • Start with a focus question • Identify key concepts that apply to this domain (15 – 25) • Construct preliminary concept map (Can draw or use programs such as Cmap/Inspiration/VUE etc • Seek cross-links • Add linking words onto the lines (cause, effect, association, always, conditional etc • Revise, clarify – can highlight, emphasise, colour

  11. Visual Understanding Environment: http://vue.uit.tufts.edu Use CasesRead examples of how VUE can be used. Creating Maps, Nodes and LinksLearn how to create nodes and links to build your concept map. Finding and Linking ResourcesLearn how to use the Resources component of VUE to locate and link resources to your map. Creating and Using PathwaysLearn how to use the "pathways" feature of VUE to create and view different paths through your concept maps. Getting Started with VUE (pdf) You can download the manual in PDF format for a detailed guide on using VUE.

  12. References Concept mapping software (Courtesy James Neill, UC): http://del.icio.us/jtneill/conceptmappingsoftware Cmap Tools: http://cmap.ihmc.us/ Inspiration: http://www.inspiration.com/ Mindjet/MindManager: http://www.mindjet.com/us/ Novak, J. & Carias, A. (2006). The theory underlying concepts maps and how to construct them. [Online] Available at: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf Visual Understanding Environment (VUE, Tufts University): http://vue.uit.tufts.edu/ Wikipedia (Extensive information available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept_maps Source/acknowledgements Driving in Bolivia (doyourbest.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/drivinginbolivia.pps, Shark and Helicopter (whiteafrican.com/?p=56 ), Me/You accessed on the Internet and can be located under these terms.

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