Engaging Students with Concept Mapping Activities

1. How can the use of Concept mapping activities engage your students in their learning? Give 2 or 3 specific examples.

In an agricultural education classroom a concept map would be very handy. One way it could be used is to discuss any concept in the classroom. For example it could be used to explore the concept of photosynthesis from how the light is converted into sugars and then trans located to the roots. Another example would be in a mechanics class where students could discover the way an engine works and what the best way would be to fix a problem. It could also be used for an FFA public speaking event to show all the different ideas for a specific agriculture issue that a student might be working on.

2. Discuss how concept mapping changes the way your students can demonstrate that they understand a concept or topic you would be teaching.

In any classroom, no matter the subject, concept mapping is a good way for students to demonstrate that they understand a concept. Instead of using a test form of assessment, a concept map could be used to assess a student's understanding of the concept. It might also be used as a brainstorming activity when beginning a new activity.