Using Concept Maps to Teach and Assess Critical Thinking in IS Education

Concept maps have been widely used in education as tools for knowledge representation in both teaching and learning. Built on rigorous learning theories, concept mapping is a technique that is easy to learn and use. Therefore, concept map construction tasks can be incorporated into teaching effectively. By analyzing students’ concept maps, we can assess their learning and gain insights into their thinking processes, especially the amount and nature of critical thinking involved. In this study, we explored the feasibility and effectiveness of using concept maps in Information Systems education. Different approaches of using concept maps are experimented and discussed with respect of critical thinking. Questionnaires are designed to gauge students’ perception of and attitude toward concept mapping. Moreover, we studied the shift of students’ opinion on critical thinking before and after interventions including concept mapping. This study sheds lights on effective teaching methods to teach critical thinking using concept maps.