Formative+Assessments+with+CMap

= Concept Maps as Formative Assessment =

What is a concept map?
A concept map is a graphical representation of the relationships between concepts.

Concept Maps can be used to determine prior knowledge and changes in knowledge over time.
"...concept maps permit observing and recording changes in a person's knowledge over time. Concept mapping can, for instance, be applied as an ongoing evaluation across an instruction. This makes it a useful tool for monitoring the increase of complexity of learners' knowledge structure, as it occurs by integrating new knowledge with existing knowledge." (Buzzetto-More, 2007, p. 89)

CMap is a free downloadable computer-based tool. It is used to create online concept maps that can be used individually or shared online. Navak & Canas (2008) describe CMap Tool as follows:
"The CmapTools software (available for download at: http://cmap.ihmac.us) ...brings together the strengths of concept mapping with the power of technology, particularly the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW). The software not only makes it easy for users of all ages to construct and modify concept maps...it allows users to collaborate at a distance in the construction in their maps, publish their concept maps so anybody on the Internet can access them, link resources to their maps to further explain their their contents, and search the WWW for infBormation related to the map." (Novak & Canas, 2008, p. 14)



Concept maps created by CMap Tools drive instruction by illustrating:

 * prior knowledge and understanding
 * changes in knowledge over time
 * misunderstandings of concept relationships