Have you ever used a mind map or a concept map? Of course, you have.
But, are they the same? According to the definition provided by the electronic
source Wikipedia, a mind map “is an important
technique used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other
items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea”. In
contrast, a concept map “is a technique for
representing knowledge in graphs” (Profesor Joseph D. Novak, n.d.). However, most of the time, people confuse them, or they do not distinguish a mind
map from a concept map. They do not, for example, know which are the main
characteristics and differences between them. Specifically, mind maps and concept maps differ in their physical characteristics
and the organization of ideas.
One of the main differences between mind maps and
concept maps has to do with their physical characteristics. On the one hand, mind
maps have a personal style because they have some variations depending on the
creativity of the person. They are represented as a tree in order to develop
its branches around the topic. In addition, they use images and key words, not
sentences to help people to remember information more effectively. Also, they
are colorful and creative. It means that they need to have at least six
different colors to identify lines or branches around it. On the other hand,
concept maps have a specific style. In contrast to mind maps, they are represented
as a diagram in which they are developed from a specific topic to a general
one. Also, they use concepts, phrases, general ideas and sentences. So, they
are simple and well-structured because they do not use lot of colors. To sum up,
mind maps and concept maps differ in some physical characteristics regarding
to their styles.
Another difference between mind maps and concept maps is the
variation in the way ideas are organized. In mind maps, ideas are developed as
the needles of the clock. It means that they are organized from right to left.
In the same way, they use a central image or word to identify the topic. They
use different colors to separate ideas in order to highlight the different
categories developed on it. Also, they use one word per each line because it
promotes deep processing of knowledge, and better understanding. In contrast,
ideas in concept maps are developed in a schematic form. So, they are organized
from the top to the bottom of a paper. In addition, they use the most general
concept at top in order to be emphasized. Different from mind maps, concept
maps use connectors between ideas, and also they join the concepts with lines
because it promotes the ability to apply knowledge in new situations. In short,
mind maps and concept maps vary in the way they organize and develop ideas.
In conclusion, the main differences between mind maps and concept
maps are their physical characteristics and organization of ideas. In regards
to physical characteristics, mind maps have a personal style because they have
some variations depending on the creativity of the person. However, concept
maps have a specific style. It means that they are developed from a specific
topic to a general one. Ideas in mind maps are developed as the needles of the
clock. It promotes deep processing of knowledge, and better understanding. In
contrast, ideas in concept maps are developed in a schematic form. It helps
students learn new information by integrating each new idea into their existing
body of knowledge. Finally, both techniques are excellent tools to use in class
or at home in order to remember and learn new information on any topic.
References:
Enciclopedia
electrónica Wikipedia. Definition of mind map.
Retrieved January 29, 2007, from http://www.wikipedia.com.
Enciclopedia
electrónica Wikipedia. Definition of concept map.
Retrieved January 29, 2007, from http://www.wikipedia.com.
http://www.ettc.net/techfellow/inspir.htm.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario