Context

Group concept maps provide a way for students to share information and for the instructor to see how well they understand. This is also a great way to end class sessions, since it helps them review and organize material. An added benefit is that you can make it last from 15 to 30 minutes.   

Step-by-Step Implementation

  1. Students learn how to construct a concept map. A concept map is a diagram that suggests relationships between two components/concepts/things. (I often do this the first week so that we can use this technique frequently.) 
  2. Students are in small groups (such as their base groups). Each group is given poster paper and markers and a spot on the wall for their paper.  
  3. Students are given an assignment for their concept map - typically a concept from the current lesson. It is much more interesting to give each group a different assignment, such as different theorists or Piagetian stages.  
  4. Students work for 10-15 minutes on their map. You can let them use course materials or not. Everyone must be standing and working.   
  5. You circulate to make comments and ask questions. 
  6. If time, have students rotate clockwise several times to view other concept maps and make additions or corrections.  

Effectiveness

Students enjoy this activity as long as it is not done too often. They are often excited when they see me bring in the materials. Afterwards, many take photos of each map as a study guide. I learned that they are hurt if you trash the maps. I began to carefully stack them up and then display on the wall outside of my office for a week or so. 

Keywords

concept map , group work , student-student interaction

Associated tools or materials

  • Large sheets of poster paper (best is the Post-It note sheets that self-stick to the wall, but you can use any poster paper with painter’s tape)  
  • Colored markers (best is the poster markers from Crayola because they will not bleed through to the wall; crayons are fine but not easy to see from a distance)