Investigating the Distribution of Knowledge Structure in Extended Concept Mapping

Abstract

Extended concept mapping is a technique to integrate prior existing knowledge structure a new relevant information. Some researchers argue that the extended concept mapping approach is efficient in building a knowledge base and facilitating improved meaningful learning. However, no information has been presented regarding the distribution of knowledge structure. This study aimed to compare two extended concept mapping approaches and investigate the distribution of quality of students' knowledge structures. A total of 55 college students participated and divided into two groups, control and experimental. The students in the control group used the Extended Scratch-Build (ESB) technique, and those in the experimental group used the Extended Kit-Build (EKB) map. The results suggested that the students in the experimental group not only outperformed the control group in terms of quality of knowledge structure scores but also had an equitable distribution of achievement in material subtopics. Students who used the EKB were able to maintain performances consistently from the beginning to the end of material subtopics.