Concept mapping: styles, techniques and language tasks
Presented at JALTCALL 2009, Toyo Gakuen University, Tokyo June 6 2009
This session demonstrated the use of two styles of mapping:
(1) Novakian mapping, using Cmap tools, a free and very usable software
with web sharing built in; and
(2) Hunter's infostructure mapping, using PowerPoint or other graphical
software.
These important questions will be addressed:
(1) which kind of mapping to use for different instructional purposes;
(2) when to do mapping electronically and when by hand; and
(3) how to go beyond "I do mapping in my class" by means of various
constraints and techniques that lead the learner to the use of specific
language forms and patterns.
Background:
Novakian concept mapping <http://cmap.coginst.uwf.edu/>
involves the use of labelled links between nodes. It is a very flexible
format, but can be
strongly controlled by various constraints on node and/or link content.
Cmap Tools software has taken solid hold in science education in many
countries, primarily for use in representing learner's and instructor's
perceptions of the nature of concepts. It has a number of other
appealing applications for education. The tools themselves are free for
download, and allow for free online storage and/or sharing. There is a
growing online collection of maps at the Cmap website.
Hunter's infostructure maps (ISmaps) are the underlying structure of
"CriticalThinking" (Greene & Hunter, Asahi Press 2002) and
"Thinking in English"
(Hunter, Cengage 2008). Prereading is available at
http://www.core.kochi-tech.ac.jp/hunter/professional/anchoring2/index.html
Participants are encouraged to experiment with Cmap Tools beforehand
(free download from
http://cmap.ihmc.us/download/
).
Download the intro
powerpoint
(.ppt 1.5 MB)
Download the mindmaps powerpoint
(.ppt 0.3 MB)
Download the ISmaps powerpoint
(.ppt 1.3 MB)
Download the Novakian powerpoint
(.ppt 1.4 MB)
Download the decision matrix
powerpoint
(.ppt 3.0 MB)
Download the info-rhetoric
separation powerpoint
(.ppt 0.1 MB)
Download the Cmap-ISmap
comparison powerpoint
(.ppt 0.2 MB)
Download the argument mapping powerpoint
(.ppt 1.0 MB)
Download the RST powerpoint
(.ppt 0.3 MB)