Node-Link Mapping Promotes Top-Down Learning

Transfer of training in the construction and use of knowledge maps to text comprehension was investigated. Knowledge maps (k-maps) are spatial/verbal arrays that represent information in the form of node-link diagrams. K-maps make the macrostructure of a body of information more easily available to the learner. Because k-maps emphasize relationships and organizational patterns, training a person in the construction and utilization of these displays may help them implicitly structure and encode information in a variety of other presentation formats. If training in k-mapping results in improved ability to learn without explicit use of the strategy, then this expensive training would be more cost-effective. Participants who received extensive training in the production and processing of k-maps were compared to controls (N=53). Differences in ability and motivation were controlled. Participants who received the training recalled significantly more macro and micro level ideas. Results indicate that k-map training facilitated recall for ideas; however, students may not have been aware of the advantages they received from the training. Apparently, training in mapping promotes students to utilize a top-down learning set that facilitates their acquisition of text information. (Contains 7 references.) (EMK)