1. Concept Mapping concept Related Link

2. Opening Questions What does it mean when a student says “I understand?” Does it mean something different for every student in your class who says “I understand?”

3. The Big Question! How can your students demonstrate their understanding to you, their teacher?

4. Tonight’s Goals 1. To define the term “concept mapping” 2. To describe the steps to create a concept map in the everyday classroom 3. To identify ways to incorporate the use of concept maps in your classroom

5. Concept Maps can be used to help our students demonstrate understanding? Concept Related Link

6. Concept Maps… Concept Maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. * Concept Maps present the relationship among a set of connected concepts and ideas.

7. Concept Maps Concept Maps offer a method to represent information visually. Concept Maps present information in concise ways that highlight the organization and relationship of concepts.

8. Plus.. Plus.. Plus.. Plus.. Plus Because Concept Maps can include both words and visual images, they are effective with a wide variety of learners: Learners Slow Learners ELL Students Advanced Students

9. What’s That Old Saying??? “A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words!” It’s easier for the brain to make “meaning” when information is presented in visual formats like concept maps.

10. Construction Time What are some ways to construct a good concept map? Take it slow…. Model with the class at first…. Work through together or in small directed groups….

11. Basic Steps 1. Identify main ideas. Brainstorm. 2. Cluster or group words and ideas that are related. 3.Determine the relationship of the ideas. 4. Decide on the most effective layout to represent the collective understanding of the interrelationships and connections among the groupings.

12. More Steps 5. Determine the proper hierarchy in which the most important concepts are in the center or at the top. 6. Lay out your arrangement. 7. Use lines with arrow to connect and show relationship. 8. Review to make sure of correct placement of all words or images.

13. Practical Applications When would it be appropriate to use “concept maps?” * Any ideas????? Using Concept Maps ???

14. Use Concepts Maps … To brainstorm new ideas To gain background knowledge when starting a new unit As a review As a study guide before an assessment As an assessment

15. Software Programs Inspiration Kidspiration Internet Sites * Enchanted Learning