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Concept Map

A diagram showing how ideas in a topic are connected, with labelled lines explaining the relationship between each pair of concepts.

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Concept Map diagram

A concept map diagram

What is concept map?

  • Write the main concept in the centre of the page
  • Add related concepts around it, each in its own box or circle
  • Draw arrows between any concepts that are connected
  • Write the reason for each connection on the linking line

How it works

A concept map is a diagrammatic representation showing the relationships between ideas in a topic. Unlike a mind map, which branches outward from a central idea, a concept map allows connections in any direction, with labelled links explaining each relationship.

The instructions are simple. Any concepts that are related should be linked with a line and an arrow showing the direction of the relationship. The reason for each link must be written on the line. For example, in a science topic about food, "Carbohydrates" might link to "Energy" with the label "provide", while "Vitamins" links to "Bone" with "vital for".

Concept mapping is extremely valuable because learners do not easily make connections between ideas on their own. By forcing them to draw and label links, the tool stimulates lateral thinking and reveals how well they understand a topic. Gaps in the map show gaps in understanding.

Concept maps can be used at the start of a topic to activate prior knowledge, during a topic to consolidate learning, or at the end for revision. Comparing a "before" and "after" concept map is a powerful way to make learning visible.

Classroom example

A Year 8 Science and Technology class in a Vale of Glamorgan school is revising the topic of respiration. Each pair creates a concept map starting with "Food" at the centre. They must connect at least eight related concepts (energy, glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, mitochondria, blood, lungs, muscles) and label every link. One pair writes "Glucose + Oxygen → releases → Energy" as a chain of connected links. The teacher photographs each map and uses the gaps and errors to plan the next revision session.

Curriculum for Wales connection

Concept maps develop both the "Plan" strand (activating prior knowledge) and the "Reflect" strand (linking and lateral thinking). They build cross-curricular literacy through precise use of linking vocabulary and work across all six AoLEs wherever relationships between ideas need to be understood.

Rainbow Curriculum's Thinking Tools lens lets you track where concept mapping appears across your curriculum, ensuring learners are regularly practising the skill of making connections.

Tips

  • Model a concept map as a whole class first. Show how to choose linking words carefully.
  • Start with a small number of concepts (six to eight) and increase as learners gain confidence.
  • A common pitfall: confusing concept maps with mind maps. A concept map has labelled links between any concepts, not just branches from a centre.
  • Use large paper and felt tips for group work. The physical space encourages bigger, more detailed maps.
  • Compare maps created at the start and end of a topic. The growth in connections is powerful evidence of learning.

Source: Adapted from "How to develop thinking and assessment for learning in the classroom", Welsh Assembly Government, Guidance 044/2010.