Concept mapping (and the Inspiration software) is a great tool for teachers to develop ideas and use as a classroom tool. The concept map is a great way for teachers develop ideas, link ideas, and create assessments. I have also participated in a workshop where teachers, from different subjects, worked together and combined concept maps to create to seem common elements, in their classes and develop common cross-curriculum assessments. It was a very powerful way to see common benchmarks, learning objections, and collaborate with teachers from other subjects.
Concept mapping (and using Inspiration) involves technology and software. Many teachers are still ‘afraid’ of software. In the classroom, it involves access to the software and allowing students to develop their skills with the software. In the classroom, I have found that concept mapping does not apply to all learning styles. Using concept mapping is a way to differentiate learning, but might not be effective with all students.
I have personally found that many students use Inspiration at the elementary and middle school level. However, at the High School level, they find it ‘juvenile’ or not a tool they want to use in High School. I experienced some resistance when having students create inspiration-based assignments.
1 comment:
Eric:
What a great way to chart student progress right from the beginning with non-logins and not-on-pace. Effective use of the downward progression of the chart (reminds me of a downward spiral). I noticed learning contracts are not introduced until after the f2f meeting. How effective have you found the learning contracts to be on student progress?
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