Concept Mapping, Mind Mapping, Lotus Blossoms

Skills Practiced

What the research tell us…..

• Experienced professionals: – Spend more time understanding and defining “the problem”– Spend more time in problem scoping & information gathering– Think broadly about constraints of the problem– Consider assumptions and perspectives of others– Evaluate many alternatives

• Undergraduate students:– Sacrifice quality for speed– More prone to bias– Struggle to identify constraints– Consider fewer alternatives

A Tool to Uncover RelationshipsConcept maps, mind maps, and lotus blossoms are types of graphic organizers used to organize ideas and show interrelationships. They remove the barrier of writing prose in a linear fashion and allow the creator to brainstorm freely.

Concept maps are less hierarchical than mind maps/lotus blossoms.

3 Main Steps:

1. Start with a main idea, issue, or topic to focus on2. Determine the key concepts3. Connect the concepts - using linking words and phrases

When and How?

BEFORE a learning module to help students reflect on what they already know (or assume) about a topic.

Students mind/concept map on giant post-its in small groups.

AFTER a learning module to help students integrate new understanding with prior knowledge.

Repeat activity above revising or adding to old map, or work individually, including concept map in reflective journal.

To ASSESS understanding.Students create a concept map in response to a test or quiz question.

Students often include more information and are better able to articulate interconnectedness in this format than in a written essay.

Concept Map of Concept Map

Mind Map of Social Media Components

Mind Maps

Student Mind Map

Lotus Blossom Techniqueforces minimum number of ideas

Developed by Japanese researcher, Yasuo Matsumura, See more at: http://www.5by5design.com/blog/design-practice/lotus-blossom-technique/#sthash.QAh2VAGq.dpuf

Create Your Own

Grab a giant post-it, some markers and some friends and create a concept map of building community in the classroom.

Benefits

▪ Reflecting on prior understanding▪ Organizing thoughts and relationships▪ Generating new ideas and questions▪ Allowing students to more clearly communicate ideas,

thoughts and information without the barriers of linear writing▪ Integrating new concepts with prior knowledge

Further information & References

5/2/2016

1. Horizon Scanning Centre strategic thinking toolkit, Foresight UK, http://hsctoolkit.tribalhosting.net/Issues-trees.html

2. Strategy Survival Guide, UK Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, http://interactive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/survivalguide/skills/s_issue.htm

3. The Pyramid Principle, Barbara Minto – useful book on using logic to structure thinking, arguments and communication

4. Scoping SDD Projects: Part II: Issues Trees provided by the Australian Government’s Dept of the Prime minister and cabinet

5. Crismond, David P, and Robin S Adams. 2012. "The informed design teaching and learning matrix." Journal of Engineering Education no. 101 (4):738-797.

6. Atman C.J., Adams R.S., Cardella, M.E., Turns J., Mosborg S., Saleem J.2007. “Engineering Design Processes: A Comparison of Students and Expert Practitioners,” Journal of Engineering Education, 96(4), 359-379, 2007.

7. Atman C.J., Cardella, M.E., Turns, J., Adams, R. 2005. “Comparing Freshman and Senior Engineering Design Processes: An In-depth Follow-up Study,” Design Studies, 26, 325-357.

http://hsctoolkit.tribalhosting.net/Issues-trees.htmlhttp://interactive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/survivalguide/skills/s_issue.htm