Concept maps are diagrams that show students how content is structured. This article asserts that they can be effective teaching and learning tools. It presents one method of concept mapping and several ways it can be used in the classroom. (EV)

Describes four types of concept maps (slash recall, linear, radial, pictorial) created and used by students at the U.S. Air Force Academy to improve comprehension and recall of reading assignments. Provides student examples of each type of map, which are often created on computers. (EV)

Discusses how semantic mapping can be used in educating students who are deaf or hard of hearing by making important concepts visual and by helping students find connections among ideas and subject areas. Examples are given of how semantic mapping can be used to teach science and mathematics. (CR)

One of the most important tasks that teachers undertake is to teach concepts. Without a good understanding of concepts, students have difficulty even understanding the basics. Several approaches to teaching thinking have been analyzed and research concludes that it is more effective to teach thinking in the context of a subject rather than as a…

The use of concept maps, Vee diagrams, flow charts, and productive questions to increase student understanding of laboratory exercises and to improve student attitudes toward lab classes is discussed. Examples of each are provided. Student responses to these teaching methods are described. (CW)