Concept Maps
Purpose
To try and get pupils to describe how they feel in relation to issues.
Preparation
Teacher time
Agree a set of concepts that you want to try and find out about related
to a particular topic e.g. Fair Trade (Trade - Environment - North - South
- Me etc.) and think how you can arrange them in order for pupils to make
connections between them; decide whether to leave space for pupils’
own ideas.
Procedure
Before doing the chosen topic ask pupils individually (or in pairs / small
groups) to fill in the concept map - After the topic, get pupils to fill
in another blank concept map (individually or in the same pairs / small
groups) - Get them to compare the ‘Before’ and ‘After’
concept maps and explain orally or in writing the changes.
Extension
As with ‘Before’ and ‘After’ questionnaires (repeat
with sample group at later date / compare with other tools used).
Get pupils to think about:
Why did they put in what they did? What was important to them?
Why did they include or miss out certain things?
Alternative activity
Mental maps
Advantages of this methodology
• Fairly easy to set up, carry out and administer
• Does not just rely on writing ability - images can be used
• Looks at awareness of connections between concepts and issues
• Visual reference
* Fun to do
Disadvantages of this methodology
• May not give you much information if this is a new way of working
• Can be difficult to analyse
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