06 July 2021

Learning activity

Concept Map

A concept map is a type of graphic organizer that can be used to organize and represent knowledge about a certain subject. A concept map begins with a main idea or concept and then branches out to show how this relates to other elements of the body of knowledge studied. The goal is to support students when analyzing texts.

On-campus

The activity takes about 10 minutes and could be done in all types of class sizes. It could be used as a blended learning activity, when you let students create a concept map as preparation for the face-to-face session 

Manual

Supplies Needed

  • Paper and pen/whiteboard and marker or an online tool, such as Microsoft Whiteboard to let students write down the concepts 
  • Literature to study (and possibly a hand-out to use during class) 

Set-up classroom

Provide students with plenty of space to work-out their concept map.

Optionally: using a Teaching & Learning Lab could be suggested, due to its flexible furniture. The walls are whiteboards and could be used by students to draw their concept maps.

Step 1. (Preparation)

Provide students with a body of literature to study. This could be done before or during class. We suggest providing before class due to possible time constraints. 

Step 2. (Preparation)

Students study the body of literature. They get familiar with the information. 

Step 3. (During class)

Students are provided the supplies to create a concept map.

When working in pairs of groups: create pairs or groups

Step 4. (During class)

Students create a concept map. The time depends on the size of the body of literature. 

Step 6 (Evaluation)

Let students present their concept map to other students or have a plenary discussion. Give students key points to take away. 

Source

https://www.tcd.ie/CAPSL/resources/assessment/100ways.php

Online

The activity takes about 10 minutes and could be done in an online Microsoft Team Classroom. It could be used as a blended learning activity. 

Manual

Supplies Needed

  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Whiteboard 
  • Literature to study (and possibly a hand-out to use during class) 

Set-up classroom

Depending on the group composition provide multiple channels in Microsoft Teams to let students collaborate on their concept map. When using multiple channels, set up a Microsoft whiteboard in each channel. Otherwise, break-out rooms could be used. 

 

Step 1. (Preparation)

Provide students with a body of literature to study. This could be done before or during class. We suggest providing before class due to possible time constraints. 

Step 2. (Preparation)

Set-up your Microsoft Teams Classroom within each channel a whiteboard.

Step 3. (Preparation)

Students study the body of literature. They get familiar with the information. 

Step 4. (During class)

Students get instructions and move to their designated channel/whiteboard.  

When working in pairs of groups: create pairs or groups and show them to the students. 

Step 5. (During class)

Students create a concept map. The time depends on the amount of literature. 

Step 6. (Evaluation)

Let students present their concept map to other students or have a plenary discussion. Give students key points to take away. 

Source

https://www.tcd.ie/CAPSL/resources/assessment/100ways.php

Hybrid

The activity takes about 10 minutes and could be done in an online Microsoft Team Classroom. It could be used as a blended learning activity. 

Manual

Supplies Needed

  • Microsoft Whiteboard 
  • Literature to study (and possibly a hand-out to use during class) 

Set-up classroom

Using a hybrid classroom is suggested. If students work-out their concept map together, at least one student should have Microsoft Teams to communicate with their online peer. Provide multiple channels for them to collaborate. Set up a Microsoft Whiteboard for the students to work together in a hybrid way. 

Optionally: a Hybrid Active Learning Classroom could be used, due to its extensive capabilities for hybrid interaction between students.

Step 1 (Preparation)

Provide students with a body of literature to study. This could be done before or during class. We suggest providing before class due to possible time constraints. 

Step 2 (Preparation)

Set-up your Microsoft Teams Classroom within each channel a whiteboard. Or create multiple whiteboards in one classroom by adding multiple whiteboard plug-ins. 

Step 3 (Preparation)

Students study the body of literature. They get familiar with the information. 

Step 4 (During class)

Students get instructions and group together in the classroom and start a meeting with their online peers in their designated channel/whiteboard.  

When working in pairs of groups: create pairs or groups and show them to the students. 

Step 5 (During class)

Students create a concept map. The time depends on the size of the body of literature.

Step 6 (Evaluation)

Let students present their concept map to other students or have a plenary discussion. Take into account that you are working with a hybrid setting. Give students key points to take away. 

Source

https://www.tcd.ie/CAPSL/resources/assessment/100ways.php

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