Improving the Odds: Using Concept Mapping Strategies and Informational Books to Build Children's and Educators' Background Knowledge

The purpose of this paper is to describe a research center’s initiatives that move the use of concept mapping from learning theory to action. We use concept mapping in the context of designing professional development and instructional materials that support the use of informational texts to increase students’ concept knowledge. Our work additionally includes the use of concept mapping for assessment. These applications include use in community, professional development, classroom, and after-school program settings.