ABSTRACT
In Chapter 3 I suggested that learning consists of making connections between ideas in our minds and that we make these connections by introducing new ideas and connecting them to ideas that are already in our minds or by making new connections between the ideas already there. Concept mapping is a technique that people use to help them make those connections. I have found that many students find making concept maps extremely helpful when learning new topics and I have devoted this chapter to showing you how to make concept maps and how to use them when studying (Fraser and Edwards, 1985). In this chapter I will discuss what concept maps are, how making them can help you to learn, how to construct them, what to look for in your maps in order to improve them and how to use them in lectures, writing assignments, studying for exams, etc.
