Concept Maps

Concept maps are a great way to explore relationships between information. In addition, they are an active learning technique because thinking is required to identify and explain relationships.

Concept maps are graphical tools for organising and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts.

How do I create a concept map?

To begin with, add the key concepts for any topic you are revising. In the case below, key coastal processes have been added. Notice that the key concepts are hierarchical and are enclosed in a rectangle. You could also use circles.

Key concepts on a concept map

Next, you need to identify the relationships between the different concepts by including a word or short sentence.

A partially completed concept map showing relationships between concepts

Moving forward

We’ve uploaded several documents that include key concepts for a number of topics that can be used to create your concept maps. Download them for free now.