Concept Mapping Tools for Assessment

TEC-546 ASSESSMENT & TECHNOLOGYMODULE 5TEAM BLUE - COLABORATIVE LEARNING COMMUNITYBy: Hal BrookerSTUDENT REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT PART 1SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

Basic Information of the Concept Mapping Tool There are both web based and computer based

tools. The one I chose is available for download to your computer from the Web.

The cost for the program is: Free trial down load $197 for 1 user. $895 for 5 users. $1,695 for 10 users. While this is expensive, the other benefits and

options of this software are well worth the price as the potential to use the other tools are limitless.

Basic Information of the Concept Mapping Tool, cont’. “Typically, the tools are used to help

impart critical and analytical skills to students, to enable students to see relationships between concepts, and also as a method of assessment.” (Davies, 2010)

“Pictures and structured diagrams are thought to be more comprehensible than just words” (Davies, 2010)

Data the Tool Produces Mind Mapping

has a high level of generality and therefore produces data that shows a student’s basic logic behind their ideas. This is great for outlining their thoughts

Data the Tool Produces Concept Mapping

is a medium level of generality and hones in more on the student’s grasp of the concept of a subject more than their skill level. Students can lay out the concept of the subject.

Data the Tool Produces Argument Mapping is low generality and high specificity. It

shows deep understanding to the point where a student can argue their point and back it up with facts and data. This shows true, deep understanding of the subject.

How this Data can be used to Drive Instruction “Knowledge mapping allows

meaningful learning to occur.” (Davies 2010)

The usable information derived from the mapping improves skill development.

Maps aid in linking new information with what the student already knows.

How the Data can be used to Differentiate Instruction Free Form Mind Mapping can show how a

student organizes their thoughts. Concept Maps are more structured, precise

and formal. This is beneficial to show what the depth of the student’s understanding.

Argument mapping can be used by the student to show deep understanding of the subject.

With the data from all three, an educator can differentiate instruction by having a wider range from which to assess the students.

Resources

http://www.smartdraw.com/ http://cmc.ihmc.us/cmc2008papers/c

mc2008-p326.pdf http://unimelb.academia.edu/Martin

Davies/Papers/433992/Mind_Mapping_Concept_Mapping_Argument_Mapping_What_are_the_differences_and_Do_they_Matter

http://www.novamind.com/products/mind-mapping-books/teachers-guide-to-mind-mapping/?source=goog&kw=Mind%20Maps%20Teaching&gclid=CL-T7JqYp6sCFQ8g2godIEZ74Q

Resources, Cont’.

http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v8n2/birbili.html http://timvangelder.com/category/ar

gument-mapping/