Semantic mapping is the structuring of information in graphic form. It is not a new process, and has been known as concept mapping, webbing, networking and plot maps. It is a tool that instructors can use to help students connect prior knowledge with new science concepts. In many cases, new scientific words are often introduced and defined in isolation to elicit a general schema of an idea.
- Information is structured in graphic form. Semantic maps are diagrams that help students see how words or concepts are related to one another.
- Students are encouraged to make associations to the main topic or concept presented. Instructors work as facilitators while students share their ideas with each other.
- Semantic maps can be done individually, in small collaborative groups or with the whole class.
- Semantic maps can also be used in different contexts:
- As a science vocabulary (concept) building strategy
- As a pre and post reading strategy
- As a science study skill strategy
- The instructor chooses a science concept related to the chapter or unit the students are studying.
- The instructor lists the concept in a large chart paper or on the chalkboard.
- The instructor then encourages the students to think of as many words or concepts as they can that are related to the main concept and to list them in categories on the paper. This step of the process can be done individually, in a small team or with the whole class. Encouraging interaction among the students is an important part of the process, and therefore most instructors choose to do this as a small group or whole class activity.
- Students can then share their results with each other.
- Students should discuss by comparing and contrasting their semantic maps in order to develop a deeper understanding of science concepts.
- Semantic mapping encourages students to use prior knowledge to learn new concepts.
- This strategy helps students to see how words and concepts relate to one another.
- Semantic mapping encourages discussion which in turn increases the student interaction.
- The use of diagrams versus plain text content helps students relate concepts more efficiently.