Model Learning - Model maps in the classroom

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JoG
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Registered: 8/7/2008 Warnings: 0

Model maps in the classroom
Am STILL writing my dissertation on the pros and cons of model mapping in the classroom - I think they're great and amazingly beneficial - but need a balanced argument - so - who doesn't like them / use them? and why not?

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Jo G

7/31/2009 12:39

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Ian Harris
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Hi Jo,
Thanks for the post! The reasons I come across are mainly related to perceived learning styles. What has happened is students have go very used / practiced at seeing and working in a top down, left to right fashion. Seeing a map for the first time as a 15 year old (or as a 35 year old teacher) can result in 'map shock'. Unfortunately what has become popularised as learning styles are little more than habits (or handicaps). There is now enough evidence to show that all learners irrespective of age/gender/ability (or learning style) benefit from the systematic use of visual tools such as model mapping?

Another popular reason quoted for now using model maps is this. "They [the students] get confused". Three things to say here...
1. Unless maps are taught properly and teachers know how to go beyond the 'brainstorming' use of them they CAN indeed result in confusion (who wouldn't be!) but here is the point
2. It is in the organisation of the map that the learning occurs... often confusion (or simply put "not knowing"

is an essential stage of the learning process.
3. As a teacher I would rather know that my students are confused (especially as I am confident that I can do something about it) rather than assume they are not simply because they are passive.