Käsiteverkkoja

Käsiteverkkoja, known in English as concept maps, are graphical tools used to organize and represent knowledge. They consist of nodes, which represent concepts, and links, which represent the relationships between these concepts. These relationships are often labeled to further clarify the connection. The structure of a concept map is typically hierarchical, with broader concepts at the top and more specific concepts branching out below.

The creation of concept maps can aid in understanding complex subjects, identifying connections between ideas, and facilitating learning. They are employed in various educational settings, from primary schools to universities, as well as in professional environments for brainstorming, planning, and problem-solving. The visual nature of concept maps makes them effective for presenting information in an easily digestible format.

Concept mapping was developed by Joseph D. Novak in the 1970s, drawing upon the learning theories of David Ausubel. Novak's work emphasized the importance of meaningful learning, which occurs when new knowledge is integrated with existing knowledge in a structured way. Concept maps provide a framework for this integration by explicitly mapping out these connections. The flexibility of concept maps allows for diverse applications, supporting both individual learning and collaborative knowledge construction.