The Significance of Concept Mapping for Education and Curriculum Development Ed M.J.C. Moen and Kerst Th. In this article the significance of concept mapping for education and curriculum development is explored. The results of the exploration will be used for the evaluation of concept mapping tools. Functions of concept mapping tools are explored in a description of a reproductive and a productive curriculum, curriculum development, and education. Knowledge production seems to be a common element in curriculum development for a reproductive curriculum and productive learning.
Knowledge production is a process of structuring, presenting, and reflecting knowledge elements.
Concept mapping is a tool that contributes to the efficiency of these processes. However, the formalisms of concept mapping are not sufficient for modelling knowledge and complex thinking processes. Research shows that a rigid use of concept mapping in education is not effective and should be supplied carefully according to the student's prior knowledge. Furthermore, the use of concept mapping should be integrated into the school's vision upon knowledge construction and should be synchronous with other didactic planning issues.