I explored how to use concept maps in the social studies classroom. There are many different ways that you can use these. The five main examples I found were used to compare events, describe the cause and effect, explain the effect of an event, show the impact of a historical figure, and one that explains concurrent powers.
The map that compared events was made to compare the causes of the Russian Revolution to the causes of the French Revolution. Each side had a picture under it and showed differences and similarities. The similarities of the two were listed in the middle while the differences were on corresponding sides. This set up helps students differentiate between similarities and differences using a picture representation. This is good for students who have a photographic memory, such as myself!
The second I looked at described the causes and effects of rivalry in democracy. This appeared much like the compare and contrast, giving two sides and the effects of each. The difference was that this concept map did not compare but rather gave two different effects of the same cause.
The third concept map I explored and created myself was the effect of the Treaty of Versailles. This map takes an event and describes the effects that different sides involved in the event experienced. This map is good when discussing the end of war (in this case World War I), because there were two main sides (although there can be more than just two sides illustrated) that had very different outcomes.
The fourth map I looked at illustrated the importance of Eleanor Roosevelt. This one was particularly amusing because it incorporated a lot of pictures and descriptions. By adding in graphics, students are more likely to look over the material. Graphics also help illustrate information that may be dry and boring when presented alone.
The last concept map I looked at explained concurrent powers running in the United State's government both at the state and national level. This is similar to a compare and contrast in its format but describes two similar identities.
These concept maps can be very useful in the classroom by giving students an illustrated look at the subject matter the class is covering. Many of them take the appearance of a flow chart, allowing students to follow a timeline of important events and facts. In social studies (or any area of study), these can be used to describe any event, person, place, or thing. Students may even be encouraged to create their own to show understanding of the subject as a final project.
Using concept mapping appeals to different learning styles, therefore it should have a positive impact in the classroom. Students have a variety of different templates they can use and incorporate, and the teacher can use a variety of different templates as well. Therefore, concept maps can be used to teach material as well as demonstrate knowledge of a particular lesson. Students who prefer writing may choose the compare and contrast map which allows you to list differences and similarities. Students who are more visual learners who do not like writing a lot may use templates such as the historical figure or cause and effect, which allows incorporation of little facts and pictures to tell a story.
I would consider the types of learners I have in my class before deciding on a concept map. If the learners are largely stratified, I could teach the lesson with a couple of different concept maps, therefore there is a style for everybody. If I were to give this as an assignment, I would always allow students to chose their own style. The lesson must also fit in with the concept map idea. If we are solely memorizing maps (i.e. no historical background at all, which never happens) then a concept map may not be appropriate for this.
