Concept Maps

Concept Maps can be a powerful tool in using the concept attainment model. Concept maps can be used for almost any lesson in any subject, including language arts. You could even use a concept map in order to get a visual for a student's understanding of a story that they are read. An example of how to use concept maps and the concept attainment model for a language arts lesson is as follows:

Step 1: Ask students to read a story.

Step 2: When the students are completed the story, ask them to work in groups of three in order to create a concept map of the story. This concept map can include characters, settings, events, and any connections that the students have made from this story and other stories or from this story to their own lives.

Step 3: Each group presents and shares their concept map, describing what they have added. Encourage the students to ask questions and discuss concept maps at length.

Step 4: After seeing each of the other groups concept maps, each group is now able to add any information they would like to their own concept map. They can add information that they saw on another concept map, or anything that they thought of or that was discussed.