Concept Mapping

Concept Mapping

Build visual maps of concept relationships

20–40 min10–35 studentsTables with large paper, or wall space

At a Glance

Duration

20–40 min

Group Size

10–35 students

Space Setup

Tables with large paper, or wall space

Materials

  • Concept cards or sticky notes
  • Large paper
  • Markers
  • Example concept map

Bloom's Taxonomy

UnderstandAnalyzeCreate

SEL Competencies

Self-AwarenessSelf-Management

What is Concept Mapping?

Concept mapping is a visual pedagogical strategy that requires students to externalize their mental models by connecting related concepts with labeled, directional arrows. It works because it facilitates meaningful learning (the process of anchoring new information to existing cognitive structures) rather than rote memorization. By explicitly defining the relationships between ideas through linking phrases, students engage in high-level synthesis and organization of knowledge. This methodology serves as both a powerful formative assessment tool and a metacognitive exercise, allowing educators to identify misconceptions and gaps in understanding immediately. Beyond simple brainstorming, concept mapping enforces a hierarchical structure that mirrors how the brain stores complex information. Research indicates that the act of constructing these maps improves long-term retention and transfer of knowledge across diverse disciplines. It is particularly effective in STEM and social sciences where systems-thinking and cause-and-effect relationships are central to mastery. Ultimately, concept mapping transforms passive learners into active architects of their own knowledge by forcing them to justify the logic behind every connection they make.

Ideal for

Understanding cause-and-effect chainsConnecting themes across time periodsPre-writing for essaysIdentifying gaps in knowledge

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ✓6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ✓ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ✓Arts ✓

How to Run a Concept Mapping

1

Define the Focus Question

Identify a specific problem or area of knowledge you want the students to map, such as 'How does the water cycle affect local weather?'

2

Generate a Parking Lot

Provide or have students brainstorm a list of 10 to 20 key concepts and terms related to the focus question.

3

Establish Hierarchy

Instruct students to place the most general and inclusive concepts at the top of the map and the most specific ones at the bottom.

4

Connect Concepts with Linking Phrases

Draw lines between concepts and require students to write a verb or short phrase (e.g., 'leads to', 'consists of', 'requires') on the line to create a proposition.

5

Identify Cross-Links

Challenge students to find and label connections between concepts in different segments or domains of the map to show complex interrelationships.

6

Review and Refine

Have students present their maps to peers for feedback, checking for logical flow and correcting any inaccurate propositions.

Research Evidence

Novak, J. D., Cañas, A. J.

2008 · Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008

Concept maps facilitate meaningful learning by integrating new concepts into existing cognitive frameworks through hierarchical organization and cross-links.

Nesbit, J. C., Adesope, O. O.

2006 · Review of Educational Research, 76(3), 413–448

A meta-analysis of 55 studies found that concept mapping is more effective than reading text, attending lectures, or participating in class discussions for knowledge retention.

Schroeder, N. L., Nesbit, J. C., Anguiano, C. J., Adesope, O. O.

2018 · Educational Psychology Review, 30(2), 431–455

The study confirmed that both studying expert-provided maps and constructing original maps significantly enhance student learning outcomes across various educational levels.

Topics That Work Well With Concept Mapping

Browse curriculum topics where Concept Mapping is a suggested active learning strategy.

Sculpture and Spatial Awareness

Installation Art and Environment

Year 7 · Art and Design

Cultural Patterns and Global Textiles

Sacred Geometry and Symmetry

Year 8 · Art and Design

The Architecture of Life

Cell Structure and Specialisation

Year 10 · Biology

Infection and Response

The Immune System

Year 10 · Biology

Cellular Energetics and Bioenergetics

Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Year 11 · Biology

Ecology and Biodiversity

Ecosystem Dynamics

Year 11 · Biology

Practical Biology and Synoptic Review

Synoptic Connections

Year 11 · Biology

Molecular Foundations and Cell Architecture

Biological Molecules and Water

Year 12 · Biology

Energy Transfers in Organisms

Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Year 12 · Biology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mind map and a concept map?
Concept maps focus on the relationships between multiple concepts using labeled linking lines, whereas mind maps typically radiate from a single central idea. While mind maps are better for brainstorming, concept maps are superior for illustrating complex systems and hierarchical knowledge.
How do I use Concept Mapping in my classroom?
Start by providing a focus question and a list of 10-15 key terms for students to organize. Have students work in pairs to draw connections and, most importantly, write 'linking phrases' on the lines to explain the relationship between terms.
What are the benefits of Concept Mapping for students?
Concept mapping improves critical thinking by forcing students to synthesize information rather than just memorize facts. It also serves as a metacognitive tool that helps students identify what they do and do not understand about a topic.
Can Concept Mapping be used as a formal assessment?
Yes, concept maps can be graded using rubrics that evaluate the accuracy of propositions, the depth of the hierarchy, and the presence of valid cross-links. They provide a more nuanced view of student understanding than multiple-choice tests.
How does Concept Mapping support diverse learners?
It provides a visual scaffolding that reduces the linguistic load for English Language Learners and students with certain learning disabilities. By focusing on spatial relationships and keywords, it allows students to demonstrate complex understanding without relying solely on dense paragraph construction.

Generate a Mission with Concept Mapping

Use Flip Education to create a complete Concept Mapping lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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