Discussion Maps are similar to semantic maps except they target rather than course lecture or reading materials. These maps present are a way to engage in classroom ‘sense-making’ discussions. A discussion map is a graphic timeline created by the instructor (or students) on which a discussion is recorded. It is typically composed of a “key question” and the refuting ideas and/or commentary. Discussion maps enable instructors to monitor students’ level of participation and gain insight into the origins of ideas and meaningful claims that are useful and/or plausible to students..
- Discussion maps are most effective when sense-making discussion is applied to entry level scientific questions (e.g., asking a group of students where seeds come from).
- Discussion maps are a good evaluative tool for instructors who need to measure student knowledge and identify areas where students need additional instruction.
- The instructor moderates the discussion so that students are equitably able to express their thoughts and create dialogue with one another
- Start a discussion with a question.
- Create a page that has a timeline labeled “start” and “stop.”
- Draw boxes that contain the claims, comments, ideas and/or questions that students asked in chronological order.
- Any claim that refutes or strengthens another claim is illustrated with an arrow.
- Any claim that doesn’t add to the discussion flow should be included at the bottom of the map and remain unconnected.
- Helps novice students learn about the nature of science or engineering.
- Useful for instructors in evaluating student ideas.
- Builds student interest in science or engineering.
- Discussion maps allow the instructor to create a model that provides a visual understanding of students’ thinking processes.
- Discussions create spaces where students can express their ideas differently than in traditional school in-class interactions.
- Students improve their communication skills when discussing topics and reviewing discussion maps.
- Analyzing discussion maps can help instructors revise their instruction by selecting to omit topics that students didn’t discuss or by adding in areas that warrant additional discussion
- Discussion maps can be used as a study aid when carefully monitored and facilitated by the instructor