Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

8-2017

Abstract

Mental models are organized knowledge structures that individuals form to make sense of the world around them. Cognitive maps are the externalized portrayals of mental models in graphical format. Mental models and cognitive maps have been used as an instructional design method, an assessment tool, and a learning strategy in college education. In this paper, we propose a novel use of mental models and cognitive maps as a device to elicit students’ challenges in learning course materials. Our case study in an Information Systems class illustrates how cognitive maps are constructed from students’ mental models, how learning challenges are identified from cognitive maps, and how learning challenges can be coped with in teaching. Our proposed use of cognitive maps and mental models can provide educators with insights into the learning challenges from students’ perspectives, and help design instructional strategies for more effective teaching.

Keywords

Mental Models, Cognitive Maps, Concept Mapping, Learning Challenges, Teaching, Learning

Discipline

Databases and Information Systems

Research Areas

Information Systems and Management

Areas of Excellence

Digital transformation

Publication

Proceedings of the Twenty-third Americas Conference on Information Systems, Boston, 2017 August 10-12

First Page

1

Last Page

10

City or Country

Boston, Massachusetts

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