Neighborhood analysis of concept maps considering the use of multiple compulsory concepts

Author(s)

Paulo Rogério Miranda Correia ^[1] ; Camila Aparecida Tolentino Cicuto ^[2] ; Bianca Dazzani ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física. Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Ensino de Ciências - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Ciência e Educação; v. 20, n. 1, p. 133-146, 2014-03-00.

Abstract

Concept maps (CMs) are useful to represent knowledge and promote meaningful learning. The aim of this study was to use Neighborhood Analysis (NeAn) to assess students' learning outcomes. Oxygen, erythrocyte, cells and nutrients were compulsory concepts (CCs) that must be used during the preparation of a CM to answer "how do nutrients and oxygen reach the cell?". The results showed that propositions involving CCs may be indicators of an adequate conceptual understanding about the topic. From all CMs considered in this study (n=36), more than 70% presented two or three CC-CC propositions. NeAn is a straightforward way to identify propositions with mistakes or lack of semantic, allowing teachers to assess students' level of conceptual understanding during the learning process. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/25868-3 - Active learning environments in the Biochemistry Education: implications for motivation, learning strategies, expectations, performance and students' evaluations of effectiveness of teaching
• Grantee: Camila Aparecida Tolentino Cicuto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/22693-5 - Evaluation of the disorientation caused by concept maps used as organizers of instructional materials
• Grantee: Paulo Rogerio Miranda Correia
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants