This week in class we explored concept/mind mapping and how to incorporate it into the classroom. Concept mapping is used to help individuals illustrate relationships between ideas. These maps can store, process, organize and present information. I like the idea of using concept maps as a teacher because I can brainstorm lesson plans, present learning objectives, display my teaching beliefs, providing instruction and much more!
Using concept mapping in the classroom is very beneficial for providing students with visual learning. Students will have a better understanding and clarification when using concept maps. Concept maps will allow students to clarify their thoughts more efficiently, analyze and organize new information, increase critical thinking, communicate thoughts and ideas and enable students to collaboratively gain knowledge. One critical question that came up in class is, why use technology when concept mapping, why not paper? I believe in an elementary classroom you could use paper and a pencil when creating mind maps individually. However, you could incorporate technology as a whole group to make the process faster, easier, understandable for everyone and engage/motivate students. Plus, students nowadays need technology in education to prepare them for the future and increase their digital skills.
Kidspiration is a great starting website to help students create and explore their own concept map!
Using concept mapping in the classroom is very beneficial for providing students with visual learning. Students will have a better understanding and clarification when using concept maps. Concept maps will allow students to clarify their thoughts more efficiently, analyze and organize new information, increase critical thinking, communicate thoughts and ideas and enable students to collaboratively gain knowledge. One critical question that came up in class is, why use technology when concept mapping, why not paper? I believe in an elementary classroom you could use paper and a pencil when creating mind maps individually. However, you could incorporate technology as a whole group to make the process faster, easier, understandable for everyone and engage/motivate students. Plus, students nowadays need technology in education to prepare them for the future and increase their digital skills.
Kidspiration is a great starting website to help students create and explore their own concept map!