Concept Map- Nursing in Ontario Health, Medicine, Nursing Essay

Concept maps are tools for organizing and representing knowledge.  In developing a concept map, it is important to begin with a domain of knowledge gained from reading or experience.  The next step is to identify the key concepts that apply to this domain.  A preliminary map is then constructed building a good hierarchical organization.  Any ideas may branch many times to include both closely and distantly related ideas.  Arrows may be used to join ideas from different branches.  During the development of the concept map, ask the following questions:

• How do the parts fit together?



• Does it all make sense? Why, or why not?



• Is there anything missing, unclear or problematic about the map?



• Do all the parts fit together?



• Could there be other ways of looking at it?



• Is the material true in all cases? (Use and list references to back up your statements)



• If something remains unresolved, state why and where the problem may be.

It is important to be selective in identifying cross-links and be precise in identifying link words that connect concepts.  This demonstrates a good understanding of the relationships between concepts.  Poor understanding of the material results in “String Maps”.

The criteria for evaluating your concept map follows.  Note that maps exceeding the Standard in Ideas and Language/Interconnectedness are weighted higher as it clearly demonstrates an understanding of the domain.