Mapping Concepts for Learning and Assessment

Although it is helpful to identify a list of concepts to categorize and communicate the big ideas of engineering, it is important to determine how best to incorporate them into instruction. Concept mapping is a well-established learning and assessment tool that can be used by technology and engineering teachers. Maps can trace levels of sophistication in understanding; they can demonstrate procedural or "how to" knowledge and demonstrate the relationships between ideas. However, the goal of using concept maps as a learning tool needs to be made explicit to the student. Based upon the focus group meeting, four primary recommendations were generated to help guide the implementation of concept mapping. The recommended guidelines are the following: (1) provide a context; (2) include clear instructions; (3) focus on learning; and (4) include an explanation. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.)