How to make a concept map

conceptual maps

Having a good study technician is key when it comes to being able to study the different subjects and obtain good results in school and academic grades. In relation to fairly extensive subjects such as History or Geography, the concept map is perfect when it comes to simplifying said content.

In the following article we will tell you what a concept map is and the steps you must follow when creating one.

What is a concept map

A conceptual map is nothing more than a visual scheme in which elements such as text and lines stand out, which will allow different concepts to be related. The best of concept maps is that they allow condensing a good amount of information in a small space.

Concept Map Classes

The most common and well-known concept maps are those that are made up of squares, rectangles and ovals and in which the most important ideas of the subject to be studied will be captured. The normal thing is that the vast majority of maps have the shape of an upside down tree. In this way, the main theme appears at the top and various branches with the different elements appear from it.

However, each student can create the type of concept map they want or want. There are clear maps and others with more concentrated information and maps with drawings and others with hardly any drawings. The visual aspect of the map will depend directly on the tastes of the student. The really important thing about a concept map is that the basic elements of the subject to be studied appear.

map

Steps to create a concept map

  • The first thing to do is read carefully the topic that is going to be reflected in the conceptual map. This topic needs to be broken down into smaller elements.
  • The second step consists of extracting the key ideas of the topic and capturing them in the conceptual map. It is important to keep what is important and summarize what you can.
  • The next thing is to create various boxes with important information and that refer to the main topic. In this way, if what is studied is the First World War, different tables must be put with aspects to highlight of the main theme, such as "countries that participated in said war" or "year of the beginning of the war". These paintings are different from each other but converge in the main element.
  • It may happen that from one of the secondary squares you have to take another series of squares. This is something normal in concept maps. Remember that you can make the ramifications that you consider necessary. The important thing is to structure the topic in the best possible way and that the information is as clear as possible.

maoing

How to know if the conceptual map works well and is correct

Once the whole theme is structured in boxes and branches, it is time to study it and know if everything is correct. When checking if the map is well done, it can be done in two different ways:

  • You should memorize said map for about ten minutes or so. Then remove the concept map from your view and try to reproduce it. If you are able to do it, the study technique has worked perfectly. In the event that you forget certain elements of the map, you must pick it up again and highlight those details that you have forgotten.
  • The other way to check if you have done the concept map correctly is to answer a question about the concept map correctly. It must be a broad and extensive response at all times. If you are able to write such an answer without problem, it means that you have done the conceptual map in an optimal way.

In short, the conceptual map is a study technique that will help you when it comes to extracting the most important elements of a certain subject. Thanks to the map you can reduce the subject you have to study and memorize those basic concepts. It is nothing more than making a well-structured outline of the topic that you have to study. It is a very popular study technique among students, since it is quite effective and practical.


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