COLLEGE OF NURSING

G.S.V.M. MEDICAL COLLEGE CAMPUS

KANPUR

SEMINAR ON
CONCEPT MAPPING

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITED BY
MRS. SONIYA SANKHLA MISS SAUMYA SINGH
ASSIOCIATE PROFESSOR [Link]. NURSING 1st YEAR
COLLEGE OF NURSING COLLEGE OF NURSING
KANPUR KANPUR

SUBMITTED ON
/10/2025
 Introduction
A concept map is a visual organizer that can enrich students’ understanding of a new concept.
Concept maps are visual diagrams that outline the relationship between ideas and concepts.
They include
1) a focus question,
2) topics or concepts in boxes or circles,
3) linking words to connect concepts.
They usually include concepts enclosed in a circle or box, cross-linked to show relationships
with other concepts. The cross-links include linking words or phrases to describe the
relationship between the two concepts.

Definition
A graphic organization technique designed to help learners’ exposure their knowledge or
understanding of topics that are highly elusive.
(Ritchhart 2009)

Main concept of concept mapping

1. Ausubel theory of learning
Meaningful learning depends on integration in a cognitive structure laid down during previous
learning.
2. Construction
Concept mapping is a part of a larger educational approach called construction. This approach
suggests that knowledge is created or constructed by integrating new ideas existing cognitive
structure.

Purpose of concept mapping

• Help students to visually organize and represent knowledge.
• Supports students to understand complex information.
• Facilitate meaningful learning.
• Promote the development of critical thinking skills.
• Aid in the integration of new information with existing knowledge.
• Generate ideas.
• Understand or diagnose misunderstanding.

Components of concept mapping

• Concepts
• Linking arrows
• Linking words/ Phrases
 • Hierarchical structure
• Focus question and proposition

Types of concept mapping

1. Hierarchy map
2. Flowchart
3. Spider map
4. System map

1. Hierarchy map
A hierarchical concept map organizes concepts from more general to more
specific, with the more general overarching terms above and the more specific
terms below. Labeled lines with arrows show linkages between concepts and
how they are related. A concept map can be developed by an individual or group.

2. Flowchart map
A common type of technical diagram is a flowchart, concept map showing
relationships between different concepts. In many cases, the long description
could be a list-based outline describing different parts of the process.

3. Spider map
Spider mapping, sometimes called a semantic map, is a graphic organizer or
concept map that can be used for brainstorming ideas, aspects, and thoughts
typically on a single theme or topic. It is used to sort and evaluate multiple ideas
and to show relationships between ideas.

4. System map
A systems map is a visual tool used to understand the complexity of a system
by illustrating its components and the relationships between them.

General technique/ steps of concept mapping

Creating a concept map involves extracting concepts from instructional material and organizing
them around a central theme. This creates a diagram that represent the overall structure of the
knowledge being conveyed in form of a semantic network.
1. Focus question
2. Identify & brainstorming
3. Organize the Concepts
4. Draw the Concept Map
• Nodes
• Branches
 5. Add linking words
6. Look for cross links
7. Review and refine
8. Customize and update

1. Focus question- define the topic or focus question

2. Identity & brainstorming- brainstorming a list related concepts and organize them in a
hierarchical manner, with the most general concept at bottom.
3. Organize the Concepts:
Arrange the brainstormed concepts in a logical hierarchy, placing the most general concepts at
the top and more specific ones below. Group similar ideas together.
4. Draw the Concept Map:
• Nodes: Place each concept in a shape or "node" on your workspace.
• Branches: Draw lines or arrows to connect related concepts.
5. Add Linking Words:
Label each connecting line with short, descriptive phrases that explain the relationship between
the two connected concepts.
6. Look for Cross-Links:
Identify and add "cross-links" to connect related concepts that may be in different sections of
your map, showing complex relationships.
7. Review and Refine:
Examine your map to ensure it is accurate, logical, and detailed. Rearrange concepts or labels
to improve clarity and organization.
8. Customize and Update:
Use colors, fonts, or different line styles to visually distinguish concepts or emphasize
relationships. Update the map as you learn more or receive feedback.

Advantages of concept mapping

• Promotes deep understanding: By requiring the user to explicitly draw connections
between concepts, concept mapping moves beyond rote memorization and fosters a
deeper comprehension of how different ideas fit together.
• Enhances memory and retention: The visual and organized nature of concept maps
makes them effective study aids that improve the retention and recall of information,
appealing especially to visual learners.
 • Encourages critical thinking: Creating concept maps forces users to analyze,
synthesize, and evaluate the relationships between concepts. This can help identify
logical gaps and lead to higher-level thinking skills.
• Organizes complex information: A concept map can break down large, complex
topics into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows users to see the "big picture"
while also understanding the specific details and their relationships.
• Facilitates collaboration and communication: Concept maps can be used in groups
to brainstorm, align thinking, and share knowledge. The visual format ensures all
participants have a shared understanding of the concepts and their connections.
• Builds on existing knowledge: Concept maps are designed to connect new information
with concepts the learner already knows, creating a solid "scaffolding" for new learning.
• Versatile tool: This technique is applicable across various subjects and fields, from
education and business to research and healthcare.

Disadvantages of concept mapping

• Can be time-consuming: For complex subjects, creating a detailed and accurate
concept map can take a significant amount of time. The process of arranging and
refining concepts is not always quick.
• Potential for clutter and confusion: When mapping a large or intricate topic, the map
can become overwhelmingly complicated and messy, making it difficult to read and
interpret.
• Requires experience: Creating an effective and meaningful concept map requires a
solid understanding of the technique. Learners who lack experience may struggle to
structure the map logically or choose the most appropriate linking words.
• Subjective and potentially biased: The structure of a concept map is influenced by
the creator's individual knowledge and perspective, which can introduce bias and may
not represent the subject matter objectively.
• Limited detail: Concept mapping may be best for representing high-level concepts and
may not easily allow for the inclusion of detailed information within the map itself.
• Not suitable for linear processes: For subjects that require a strict sequential or linear
explanation (like a series of mathematical steps), a concept map may not be the optimal
tool.
• Challenges in evaluation: For teachers, evaluating concept maps for accuracy can be
subjective and time-consuming, especially for large classes. Quantifying the maps'
structural properties to measure learning is also a challenge.
 Research study
Dr. Shweta Parwe, Milind Nisargandha, Vaishali Kuchewar conducted a study on the Student
Perceptions of Concept Mapping as a Teaching Tool in Ayurvedic Education In this study,
48 students were included and divided into two groups. The topic for intervention was the
mechanisms of Vaman (induced vomiting). Group A was taught through a didactic lecture,
while Group B was taught using concept mapping, followed by a crossover of the groups.
Students were provided with a structured and revalidated feedback form, and their perceptions
were assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Analysis of the feedback form indicated that
students expressed greater satisfaction with the concept mapping teaching approach, attributing
it to enhanced comprehension of the subject matter. Concept mapping can be an effective
teaching tool for teaching complex concepts.

Conclusion
Concept mapping offers a powerful visual learning tool for enhancing comprehension,
knowledge retention, and critical thinking skills across various disciplines. While requiring
careful construction and potentially being time-consuming for complex topics, the benefits of
concept mapping outweigh its drawbacks when implemented effectively. It encourages a
deeper engagement with the material and offers a visual roadmap for understanding and sharing
information.

Summary
• Introduction
• Definition
• Main concept of concept mapping
• Purpose of concept mapping
• Components of concept mapping
• Types of concept mapping
• General technique/ steps of concept mapping
• Advantages of concept mapping
• Disadvantages of concept mapping
• Research study
 Bibliography

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Bangalore: EMM medical publisher; 2015. Page no.381 to 394.
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• BT [Link] education.2nd edition. new Delhi: jaypee
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