Learning Strategies
Concept maps
“A concept map makes concrete statements that are then contextualised and discussed within the map. This is done with the aid of the connecting lines and their captions. A mind map, on the other hand, is neither right nor wrong; the reader can only perceive it as complete or incomplete.” [1]
Unlike mind maps, concept maps do not have a central topic with a number of subtopics arranged radially around it. They instead consist of a variety of key concepts connected by lines and arrows that are in some cases captioned. This generally makes them more complex than mind maps.
Method [2]
- Streamlining of topics down to key concepts, selection of the most important terms.
- Spatial arrangement of the selected terms (structuring and visualisation), generally from top to bottom (most important term at the top, then working downwards in descending order of importance) or in a network-like structure (terms close together or further apart depending on the semantics involved).
- Framing of terms, connection of framed terms using lines/arrows.
- Elaboration of the resultant network of terms, e.g. by captioning arrows, adding additional information to terms, etc.
Example
Network-like concept maps are suitable for the representation of relationships between characters in a novel or play.
Network-like figure constellation of the characters from Johann W. Goethe's Faust l (1808) [3]
Processes that are dependent on yes-or-no questions (e.g. “if x occurs this leads to y; if y occurs this leads to z”) can also be visualised in this way.
Source[4]
Read carefully through the following text, then present the information it contains on the concept of “dismissals” as a concept map:
Involvement of works councils in dismissals
The works council must be consulted prior to every dismissal. The employer must inform the council of the grounds for dismissal. A dismissal actioned without consulting the works council will be deemed invalid. If the works council has reservations regarding a dismissal actioned with proper notice it must inform the employer as such in writing within a period of one week, stating its objections. If the council fails to appeal within the aforementioned period it will be deemed to have consented to the dismissal. If the works council has reservations regarding a dismissal actioned without proper notice it must inform the employer of this without delay and within a period of no more than three days, stating its objections. [5]
