Concept Maps In Collaborative Knowledge Building In The Classroom

Generally, concept map is used as cognitive measuring tool, knowledge representing tool and reflection tool. Many researches have been done in these areas. This thesis aimed at the effect of using concept map in collaborative environment on facilitating knowledge building among learners.Focusing on this purpose, this research fulfilled the following tasks:Firstly, the paper reviewed the history of concept map and knowledge building and found the junction of them. Concept map can be applied in the classroom as the intermedium to promote the knowledge building among learners.Secondly, based on the theory research, I designed a concept map based knowledge building framework in classroom environment. The main elements and pedagogy were discussed.Thirdly, a quasi-experiment was designed to prove the framework and hypothesis. In this part, I gave the effectiveness analysis and explained some phenomena found in experiment. The results showed:· Both watching concept map and collaborative concept mapping affect the knowledge structure of learner;· Collaborative concept mapping will affect more than just watching.Fourthly, I cooperated with a teacher to design a teaching plan and put it into practice. Through the questionnaire and interview, we found:· Collaborative concept mapping can promote the personal knowledge building;· Collaborative concept mapping can promote the collaborative knowledge building;· The concept maps built by group have illumination to learners.At last, the paper summed up the experiment and the teaching practice and looked forward to the further research.