Concept mapping

“A concept map is a type of graphic organizer used to represent knowledge of a topic, forge
connections between ideas and create visual representations of one’s understandings. Concept
maps begin with a main idea (or concept) and then branch out to show how that main idea
can be broken down into specific topics”
Features of concept maps
There are four essential features represented differently in a concept map:
1. Concepts: are words that try to represent a phenomenon, object, or idea. They may
synthesize patterns in events or knowledge produced over time. In concept maps,
these are depicted as shapes in the diagram.
2. Linking words/phrases: are used to connect two or more concepts and express some
kind of relationship between them. They may indicate cause, consequences,
conditions. In general, are written using a verb or few words.
3. Focus concept or question: it is the main goal of a concept map. It may be a
question, an explanation, or a general idea that conducts your thought and organize all
ideas around in the concept map. It is highlighted in the concept map, depending on
the hierarchy chosen (top, center, etc.).
4. Hierarchical and structure: it is how you will choose to organize the main concepts
and their connections. It can be hierarchical (the main concept in the top), circle (the
main concept in the middle), or other shapes appropriated to the idea you want to
express.
When to use concept maps in education?
Concept maps are powerful graphic organizers that can be used in many ways to illustrate
and explore connections across ideas. In this sense, concept maps allow students to formulate
their understanding in a non-linear way of thinking, showing their process of thinking during
understanding a new idea or content.
Teachers can use concept maps to:
Build new knowledge, deepen students’ understanding: designing a concept map provides
students and teachers with an opportunity to construct and share their understanding of a
topic, theme, concept, area of interest. This Edutopia article provides a good starting point for
learning more about the power of concept maps and other strategies to support deeper
thinking.
Identify possible misconceptions: during the process of designing a concept map, teachers
can understand better the logic used for students to build their knowledge and the origin of
misconceptions. Curtis Chandler, a former Kansas teacher of the year has an interesting blog
post about how concept maps can be used to understand some students’ misconceptions or
not use accurate language.
Designing lessons: concept maps can even be used by teachers as a format for planning units
or lessons of instruction, allowing teachers to visualize the logic used to connect several
lessons into a unit plan or make cross-curricular connections.
Assessment: concept maps can help students illustrate the connections between their ideas,
concepts, or content in meaningful ways and can be used as formative and summative
assessments. The University of Waterloo has some guides about what is important to consider
when designing rubrics for assessing concepts maps.
Create study habits: teachers can have students create concept maps summarizing the main
ideas of a unit, creating the habit of continuum revision of the knowledge learned.
Encourage collaboration and communication: a mind map might be collaboratively
constructed in real time or asynchronously (using appropriate apps) allowing students to
negotiate, think critically and communicate their ideas and understandings with others.
Concept mapping for breast feeding
Concept mapping is an effective teaching method for breastfeeding education as it visually
organizes and presents the relationships between key concepts. Here's a step-by-step guide to
teaching breastfeeding using concept mapping:
1. Prepare Your Content
Identify Key Topics: Break down the topic of breastfeeding into major areas such as:
Benefits of breastfeeding (for mother and baby)
Physiology of breastfeeding
Techniques for breastfeeding
Common challenges and solutions
Breastfeeding and nutrition
Support and resources
Determine Subtopics: Under each major area, list subtopics (e.g., under "Techniques for
breastfeeding," include "latching," "positions," and "frequency").
2. Design the Concept Map
Use a central concept, like "Breastfeeding," as the main node.
Branch out into the identified major areas, connecting them with lines or arrows to show
relationships.
Add details to each branch, ensuring subtopics are clearly connected to their parent topics.
3. Engage Learners in Creating the Map
Interactive Session: Start with the central concept and ask learners to contribute ideas to build
the map collectively. For instance:
"What do you think are the benefits of breastfeeding?"
"What challenges have you heard about, and how can they be addressed?"
Use Questions: Guide learners to make connections between concepts, such as:
"Why is proper latching important for preventing discomfort?"
"How does breastfeeding benefit a baby's immune system?"
Visual Tools: Use a whiteboard, flip chart, or digital tools like MindMeister, Coggle, or
Lucidchart.
4. Enhance Understanding with Additional Resources
Incorporate Visuals: Add pictures, diagrams (e.g., latching techniques), and videos to clarify
points.
Highlight Relationships: Use color coding or different line styles to emphasize specific
connections, like the link between breastfeeding and reduced illness in infants.
5. Reinforce Learning
Review the Map: Go through the completed map as a group, ensuring all concepts are clear.
Encourage Questions: Ask learners to pose questions about areas they're unsure of, and refine
the map based on these.
Summarize: Conclude the session by summarizing the map, reiterating the main concepts and
connections.
6. Evaluate and Apply Knowledge
Group Activities: Have learners create their concept maps independently or in small groups
to reinforce the material.
Scenarios: Present real-life breastfeeding scenarios and ask learners to use the map to find
solutions.
Feedback: Evaluate learners' maps for completeness and understanding, providing feedback.
Central Concept: Breastfeeding
├── Benefits
│ ├── For Baby (immune system, nutrition)
│ └── For Mother (hormonal balance, bonding)
├── Physiology
│ ├── Milk Production (prolactin, oxytocin)
│ └── Milk Let-Down Reflex
├── Techniques
│ ├── Proper Latch
│ ├── Positions (cradle, football hold)
│ └── Frequency and Duration
├── Challenges
│ ├── Sore Nipples
│ ├── Engorgement
│ └── Low Milk Supply
├── Nutrition
│ ├── Hydration
│ ├── Balanced Diet
│ └── Foods to Avoid
└── Support
├── Lactation Consultants
├── Peer Groups
└── Online Resources
Breast feeding
Objective: By the end of the session, learners will understand the fundamental concepts of
breastfeeding, including its benefits, techniques, challenges, and supportive resources, by
collaboratively creating a concept map.

Materials Needed:
 Whiteboard, markers, or flip chart (for in-person sessions)
  Digital tools like MindMeister, Lucidchart, or PowerPoint (for virtual sessions)
 Printed or digital reference materials (handouts, diagrams)
 Sample breastfeeding scenarios (optional for exercises)

Lesson Structure
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
 Icebreaker Activity:
o Ask learners: "What do you know about breastfeeding?"
o Briefly discuss responses and note key terms mentioned.
 Objective Sharing:
o Explain the goal of the session: "To visually map out the essential concepts of
breastfeeding to deepen understanding."
2. Explanation of Concept Mapping (5 minutes)
 Define concept mapping and its benefits in learning.
 Show an example of a simple concept map unrelated to breastfeeding (e.g., "Healthy
Eating") to illustrate the structure.
3. Building the Concept Map Together (30 minutes)
 Step 1: Central Node
o Write or display "Breastfeeding" in the center.
 Step 2: Branch Out Major Areas
o Facilitate a discussion on the main topics (e.g., Benefits, Techniques,
Challenges, Support, and Nutrition).
o Add these as branches extending from the central node.
 Step 3: Add Subtopics
o For each main area, engage learners with guiding questions:
 Benefits: "What advantages does breastfeeding provide to the baby and
mother?"
 Techniques: "What are some important considerations for proper
breastfeeding?"
 Challenges: "What difficulties might arise, and how can they be
addressed?"
 Nutrition: "What should a breastfeeding mother include in her diet?"
  Support: "Who or what can help a mother succeed in breastfeeding?"
o As learners respond, add subtopics to the corresponding branches.
4. Enhance Understanding (10 minutes)
 Use visuals and multimedia:
o Show a diagram of breastfeeding positions.
o Present a short video on latching techniques.
 Emphasize key relationships using different colors or line styles on the concept map
(e.g., connecting "Proper Latch" to "Prevention of Sore Nipples").
5. Learner Activity (15 minutes)
 Group Work:
o Divide learners into small groups and provide them with blank sheets or
access to a digital tool.
o Ask each group to create their own concept map based on a specific aspect
(e.g., "Challenges and Solutions" or "Techniques").
 Presentation:
o Have each group present their map to the class.
6. Recap and Discussion (10 minutes)
 Review the completed group concept maps.
 Discuss any missing elements or areas needing clarification.
 Provide a summary of the central concept map, reiterating key connections.
7. Application and Evaluation (10 minutes)
 Provide breastfeeding scenarios (e.g., "A mother struggles with low milk supply.")
and ask learners to use their maps to propose solutions.
 Evaluate learners' understanding based on their ability to apply the mapped concepts.

Example Concept Map Outline:

Central Concept: Breastfeeding
├── Benefits
│ ├── For Baby (immune system, nutrition, bonding)
│ └── For Mother (hormonal balance, weight loss, reduced cancer risk)
├── Techniques
│ ├── Proper Latch
 │ ├── Positions (cradle, football hold, side-lying)
│ └── Frequency and Duration
├── Challenges
│ ├── Sore Nipples
│ ├── Engorgement
│ └── Low Milk Supply
├── Nutrition
│ ├── Hydration
│ ├── Balanced Diet
│ └── Foods to Avoid
└── Support
├── Lactation Consultants
├── Peer Groups
└── Online Resources

Conclusion: Concept mapping is a dynamic way to teach breastfeeding. By visually

organizing and connecting ideas, learners can better understand and retain information.
Encourage them to revisit and refine their concept maps as they gain more knowledge and
experience.