Analysing students' concept mapping style and its association with task performance in computer-based inquiry learning

BackgroundIn scientific inquiry learning, students often have difficulties conducting hypothetical reasoning with multiple intertwined variables. Concept maps have a potential to facilitate complex thinking and reasoning. However, there is little investigation into the content of student-constructed concept maps and its association with inquiry task performance.ObjectivesThis study explored students' concept mapping style and its association with task performance in computer-based inquiry learning.MethodsAn exploratory study was conducted with 80 Grade 11 students, who collaboratively constructed concept maps in a free style to support inquiry learning with a virtual ecosystem. Student-constructed concept maps was analysed by firstly identifying different types of propositions formed in the maps and then determining the style of each concept map based on the dominant type of propositions in the map. Finally, the association between the concept map style and inquiry task performance was explored.Results and ConclusionsTwo major concept map styles were identified: (1) knowledge-oriented concept maps (KCMs) mainly representing problem-related subject knowledge as a set of concepts and their relationships, and (2) problem-oriented concept maps (PCMs) mainly representing problem situation as a sequence of changes and their causal relationships. Compared with those constructing KCMs, the students constructing PCMs formed higher-quality propositions in their maps and performed better in hypothesising, reasoning, and drawing conclusions in the inquiry task.ImplicationsBesides KCMs, students in inquiry learning can be encouraged to construct PCMs to foster effective thinking and reasoning; that is, constructing a concept map to represent the problem situation as a sequence of changes and the causal relationships between the changes. What is currently known about the subject matter Concept maps (CMs) can facilitate complex thinking and reasoning in inquiry learning. There is little investigation into the content of student-constructed CMs. It is unknown how CM content might associate with inquiry task performance.What this paper adds Students constructed two major styles of CMs in computer-based inquiry learning. The two styles of CMs are problem-oriented and knowledge-oriented CMs. Students constructing problem-oriented CMs performed better in the inquiry task.Implications for practitioners Analysing student-constructed CMs helps understand student thinking in inquiry. Students are encouraged to build problem-oriented CMs in inquiry learning.