Concept maps
Concept maps are a visual representation of the the relationships between ideas or concepts within a particular body of knowledge. Concept maps can provide learners with an underlying structure or framework for their knowledge which helps in their understanding of complex ideas and relationships. They can also be useful for integrating new information into your current knowledge base. Concept maps are a form of information or semantic mapping which is particularly useful for "visual learners" and are sometimes called "Graphic organisers". Mind Maps™ are similar to concept maps but without the phrases that link the nodes.
We hope that you will find that concepts maps can help you with your understanding of parts of the parasitology course, especially those that are dealt with over a number of lectures. We would also value your comments on the use of concept maps and whether they help you with your learning. If they prove successful then we will be promoting their use to other members of the Dick Vet staff, hopefully, to your benefit in later years. Making your own concept maps as part of your reflective learning strategy can help in achieving a deeper learning of the subject. If you make your own maps please show them to us eg at a practical class as we are interested in how individual students organise their learning about parasitology.
Please send your comments on concept maps to T.W.Jones
Currently available maps
- Parasitic Protozoa: A map covering the main points of lectures P10-P13 and practical classes 5 & 6. Comments on this map.