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Professor Highlights | Concept Mapping

In this article, explore how professors are using concept mapping to support student learning in a variety of disciplines.

 

Science Example

At Penn State Lehigh Valley, students struggled with key concepts in introductory Biology courses, leading to a reliance on rote memorization for exams and high program drop-out rates. Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Karen Kackley-Dutt and Eileen Grodziak implemented concept mapping since they knew a solid understanding of concepts was crucial for future success. And they were right; concept mapping yielded increased achievement on exams and higher performance in future major courses.

 

 

Nursing Example

Nursing professors use a concept map activities to help students visualize different medical scenarios.  This helps students better understand the ways to diagnose, assess, or better evaluate unique situation in healthcare.

 

Chemistry Example

If the subject of chemistry leaves you feeling confused (or if your students have been giving you blank stares), try explaining complex scientific processes with a concept map. Use this chemistry concept map template as an example and customize with your chemistry concept of choice.

 

HR Example

Human Resources Management and Business Administration professors have students create concept maps to help them visually represent relationships between concepts in human resources and talent management. The example shows how finding and retaining talent depends on the budget, which determines the competitiveness of benefits such as flexible work schedules, paid leave policies, and insurance and retirement plans.

 

Biology Example

As you explain any topic within the field of biology, consider using a concept map. This biology concept map example shares the relationships and ideas that factor into the study of biodiversity, but you can easily customize it to apply to any concept, including anatomy, molecular biology, evolution, or ecology.

 

Financial Statements Example

Prepare students for a career in accounting and finance by using this concept map example to increase their understanding of financial statements. Visually represent the stakeholder groups who use financial statements and show how their needs are connected to the information contained within financial statements.

 

Nervous System Example

This concept map template details the human nervous system. With this nervous system concept map template, you can offer an interactive experience and add links or specific images to give viewers a more visual understanding of the concept.

 

Give back to the community: Share examples of how you help students understand complex concepts using concept maps.

I’m working with another faculty member who is doing the same thing in a pharmacology course. Would you be willing to share the instructions that you gave students in this assignment?  Thank you! Amy [email protected]

 


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