Learning map

Learning map (do not confuse with Knowledge map) is a graphical model which represents all necessary information to assure efficient and successful learning process. Map is usually built as a grid with concepts shown as ovals or squares. These figures are connected to each other by lines which means relations.

The main and only reason to assess students should be always desire to improve learning process. For many years it was usually an evaluation done at the end of the year. Such reports are useful as summary of learning progress and support for didactic decision-makers. Learning map is a step further responding to modern education demands. For example, these assessment requirements have been prepared by USA National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (Broaddus A., Kingston N., 2017, p. 1-2):

• creating learning aims with associated success conditions
• putting into effect actions fulfilling learning goals
• analysing evidence of learning
• ensure feedback adequate to the student's needs
• taking advantage of evaluation results during further didactic decisions

Learning map completely meets these requirements combining formative assessment, curriculum and instructions.

Learning goals

Learning maps should fulfill a specific set of goals. Maps must allow the reader recognizing essential differences between concepts. Main meaning and also usage of them should be easily distinguishable. However, things are not so simple - map should also expose concept similarities. They can be for example associated to concrete types. Maps have to induce associations in readers mind - like for example learning new languages. These multiple connections should be created one by one in chain in correct sequence. This helps to understand the overall of the system complexity. Graphical intuition is necessary for this. The multiplicity of information is useless without being presented correctly (Gropper G., 2016, p. 5-7).

Dynamic Learning Map

Dynamic Learning Map is new initiative and a kind of evolution of typical learning map. It was developed during search for a new tool for assessment students with significant cognitive disabilities. DLM characteristic can be described in six points (Bechard S., Erickson K., Karvonen M., Kingston N., 2016, p. 2):

• Dynamic Learning Maps responsible for assessment should be fine-grained
• DLM should have a group of nodes showing content norms and allowing to establish teachers organizational structure
• DLM should have an exemplary embedded assesments to enhance instruction importance
• DLM should have an exemplary relevant instructions to enhance learning process
• design of DLM should support accessibility
• reports with progresses should be easy to interpretation and use

Examples of Learning map

• One example of a Learning map is a concept map. A concept map is a graphical representation of a set of concepts and their relationships. It is usually created as a grid, with concepts shown as ovals or squares and the relationships between them shown as lines connecting the concepts. Concept maps are used to help learners understand and remember the interconnectedness of different concepts and to help them visualize how different concepts relate to each other.
• Another example of a Learning map is a flowchart. A flowchart is a diagram that shows the steps in a process. It helps learners to understand the sequence of steps and the relationships between them. Flowcharts are often used to help learners understand the logic of a process and the decisions that need to be made at each step.
• A third example of a Learning map is a Mind Map. A Mind Map is a diagram that shows the relationships between ideas, concepts, and tasks. It is usually created as a tree-like structure, with the main idea at the center and branches radiating outwards. Mind Maps are used to help learners brainstorm ideas and concepts, and to help them organize their thoughts in a visual way.

Advantages of Learning map

Learning map provides numerous advantages for learners to better understand and retain knowledge. Here are the main advantages of using a learning map:

• It allows learners to visualize the relationship between various concepts and ideas in a systematic way, providing a better understanding of the material.
• It reinforces and enhances the connections between concepts, making it easier to remember and recall the material.
• It helps learners to better organize their thoughts, allowing them to better structure their study time.
• It helps learners to identify gaps in their understanding, allowing them to focus their attention on the areas where they need the most improvement.
• It can be used to provide a comprehensive overview of a subject, allowing learners to better grasp the big picture.
• It can be used to facilitate group discussions and activities, allowing for more efficient and effective learning.

Limitations of Learning map

• Learning maps are only effective when they are well designed and comprehensive. Poorly designed or incomplete maps can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
• Learning maps rely heavily on visual representation for understanding, which can be difficult for some learners.
• Learning maps can be time-consuming to create, which can lead to a decrease in motivation and engagement.
• Learning maps can be difficult to update when material changes, especially if the original map was not well organized.
• Learning maps may not be able to capture the complexity of certain topics.
• Learning maps can be difficult to interpret, especially for complex topics that involve multiple concepts and relationships.

Other approaches related to Learning map

In addition to Learning map, there are several other approaches which can be used to facilitate learning process. These are:

• Concept Mapping - a technique which uses visual representation of concepts and their relations. It is used to represent knowledge and show connections between ideas.
• Knowledge Mapping - a technique which uses diagrams or graphs to represent knowledge and its connections.
• Mind Mapping - a technique which uses diagrams to represent ideas and their connections. It is used to organize information, help with brainstorming and problem solving.
• Flowcharting - a technique which uses diagrams to represent a process or a system. It is used to visualize a sequence of steps and their connections.
• Storyboarding - a technique which uses diagrams to illustrate a story or an event. It is used to visualize a sequence of events and their connections.

In summary, Learning map is just one of several approaches which can be used to facilitate learning process. Other approaches include Concept Mapping, Knowledge Mapping, Mind Mapping, Flowcharting and Storyboarding. Each approach uses diagrams and visual representations to represent different types of knowledge, ideas or processes.

Learning map — recommended articles

Knowledge map — Interrelationship diagram — Business process modeling — Knowledge structure — Creative problem solving — Behavior driven development — Descriptive model — Affinity diagram — Design thinking

References

• Bechard S., Erickson K., Karvonen M., Kingston N. (2016), The philosophical underpinnings and key features of the dynamic learning maps alternate assessment, "Teachers College Record", New York, vol. 18, no. 14, p. 20-26
• Broaddus A., Kingston N., (2017), The use of learning map systems to support the formative assessment in mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Benedictine College, Atchison
• Gropper G., (2016), "Learning maps" Vs. "Instructional Maps", "Educational Technology", vol. 56, no. 4, p. 3-15

Author: Maciej Blak