Brainstorming and Gathering Information Using Concept Maps 

Brainstorming ideas and gathering information are important parts of prewriting, the beginning phase of the writing process. A concept map is a helpful tool that allows writers to 

• collect and organize information, 
• visualize an overview of a topic, particularly a debate, 
• understand relations between items,
• obtain ideas to write about during the drafting phase, and 
• decide their own position on the topic.

Using concept maps can also help students improve their critical thinking skills. Below  are a few examples of concept maps. These can be generated by students individually, in small groups, and/or by faculty and students in large class discussions. 

Suggestion:

After reading a course text, faculty and students can create a concept map on the reading’s subject. The reading can serve as a springboard for ideas and students can build on them. The sample concept map on Walmart is a result of this in-class activity. Completing a concept map as a large group with faculty also models for students ways in which to use concept maps on their own. 

Example 1: Concept Map Template

OER_Concept_Map

Example 2: Concept map on Walmart

OER_Walmart_Concept_Map

Example 3: Concept Map Template for a Literary Text

OER_Concept_Map_Literary_Text