Concept Map

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Produce an explicit diagram of relationships between core concepts in a topic area.

Use it when: Use when reviewing a shared text, synthesizing complex project terminology, or diagnosing prior understanding before a new work phase.

Skip it when: Skip when the group needs divergent, open-ended brainstorming without hierarchical structure, or when participants lack common reference points on the topic.

Group arrangement: Pairs or small groups of 3; individual mapping is also supported.

Timing: UWT suggested 20-minute run time based on the 4-step sequence from The Teacher Toolkit.

Materials and tools

• One large sheet of paper (flip chart or ledger size) per pair
• One pad of sticky notes per pair
• Two fine-tip markers per pair
• One visible countdown timer

Before participants arrive

1. Select a single central topic, reading, or focus question.
2. Write the central topic clearly on a front board.
3. Distribute paper, sticky notes, and markers to each workstation.

Say this to open

Today we are building a concept map to track how key ideas connect. You will work in pairs. First, list individual terms on sticky notes. Then arrange them from the broadest idea down to specific examples. Finally, draw connecting lines and write short phrases on those lines to describe exactly how the concepts link together.

How to run it

1. Introduce topic and brainstorm terms 4 minutes

   State the central topic. Give pairs three minutes to write 8 to 12 distinct terms or key facts on individual sticky notes, one term per note.

2. Sort and arrange hierarchy 5 minutes

   Instruct pairs to place their most general concept near the top or center of the large paper. Have them sort and cluster remaining notes below it, moving from general concepts down to specific examples or supporting details.

3. Draw lines and label relationships 6 minutes

   Pairs draw connecting arrows between related notes. Along each arrow, they write a short linking phrase explaining the relationship (for example, 'leads to', 'is part of', or 'depends on').

4. Review and debrief 5 minutes

   Ask pairs to stand and spend two minutes viewing adjacent maps. Gather the whole room. Take two voluntary observations on different connection choices.

Debrief questions

• Which concept had the most links connecting to it, and what made it central?
• Where did you and your partner disagree on how to label a relationship line?
• What missing concept or link became obvious once you saw the map on paper?

Finished output: A pair-created relational diagram showing key concepts linked by labeled connecting phrases, or an individual copy kept privately.

Remote

Run using an online whiteboard. Create one framed canvas per pair with pre-made digital sticky notes and line connector tools. Pairs work in breakout rooms for steps 1 through 3, then return to the main room to view each other's frames.

Hybrid

In-person pairs use physical paper and notes; remote pairs use the digital whiteboard. Ensure the facilitator projects the digital board in the physical room so both groups see the collective work during debrief.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may work individually instead of in pairs upon request.
• Partners can split writing and arranging roles according to motor or visual preferences.
• Participants may pass on speaking during the whole-room debrief without explanation.

If the session gets stuck

Participants draw lines between terms but forget to write explanatory phrases on them.

Remind the room that an unlabeled arrow only shows contact, while a labeled line explains the relationship. Give an example like 'water cycle' linked to 'evaporation' via the phrase 'begins with'.

Pairs get stuck trying to create a perfect hierarchy.

Prompt them to use sticky notes freely so they can reposition terms without redrawing.

Terms used here

• Concept map: A visual diagram showing relationships between concepts, using labeled connecting lines between terms.
• Linking phrase: A brief text (like 'causes' or 'includes') written along an arrow to explain the connection between two terms.