Typically, names, symbols or signs of our language denote concepts. We use these concepts when we observe or interpret events and objects. Thus, concepts help us to describe and explain the way the world looks. When concepts are linked together with action words, they can form propositions that express the relationship between the concepts. By proposition, we mean a simple sentence that the individual asserts to be true.
Concept maps can be useful classroom tools for both students and teachers.
When constructed by students, they allow students to actively understand relationships among concepts. Student-constructed maps allow the teacher to see how students structure their knowledge, and understand a subject of study. Teachers are able to easily identify missing or misunderstood concepts through the visual representation of concept maps. When constructed by teachers or experts, concept maps enable students to identify and explore the structure and nature of knowledge in a domain. Students are able to identify new concepts, relate them to concepts that are already understood, and specify key relationships between concepts needed for understanding.