VISUAL TOOLS

What does it do? 

A Concept map is way of identifying the relationship between concepts in a hierarchical way.

1. How do you make it?
2. Identify the key question that needs answering
3. List all the possible elements relating to this question on sticky notes
4. Sort this list into groups
5. Taking each group in turn, order each word hierarchically in approximate fashion
6. Take the sticky notes from their groupings and place them near to each other if there seems a close affinity. Use the hierarchical order as a rough guide to aid your placements.
7. Continue to move these sticky notes around until you are satisfied
8. Draw lines between the nearer sticky notes from top to bottom, with the arrow pointing downward
9. Write verbs along these lines that represent the nature of the relationship. This will form mini sentences if read from sticky note above along the arrow to sticky note below.

When do you use it? 

A Concept map is useful for:

• Understanding a concept or topic
• Explaining a concept or topic
• Assessing another person’s understanding of a concept or topic

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