Concept Mapping with Question Prompts for Standards

When I was learning about the meaningful use of Info-Communication Technology (ICT) back in NIE, my tutor briefly mentioned a free tool that would be useful to create concept maps called Cmap. However, I can barely remember ever using that tool as a student teacher (nor as a student) or even as a teacher after graduating with my PGDE.

 

A sample I created to test out the software

As part of my innovation work, a team that I am leading is looking into specific use cases and design features that could make such concept mapping tools useful for students' sense-making. As of now, we noted that secondary level students generally preferred linear notes (in texts or textbooks) and the times when concept maps are helpful to visualise and make explicit the relationships between concepts are scarce. Even for those who do use concept maps (some just do mindmaps without the linking phrases), they seem to prefer a quick one using paper and coloured pens/markers. This is why my team hopes to explore the affordance of technology to value add to the use of having such a visual aid.We are simultaneously exploring how question prompts as hints could be used to guide students and enable them to ensure that the points they include in the concept map are aligned with the standards or success criteria that are expected of them.

Template for teachers to start using with question prompts for standards in blue

As the team is still exploring and sharpening the problem space and the solution fit, this may require an update from me in the future. Nonetheless, I am excited that there may be a breakthrough for this soon.