Visualize the Problem
Concept Mapping Problems
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Visualizing can be an effective way to explore a problem. Businesses use concept mapping to assist them in visualizing their problems. This process is called cause mapping where the causes of the problems are mapped to potential solutions. Many educators use programs that create concept maps, such as Inspiration or Cmaps (Cmaps is free!), in their classrooms on a daily basis. There is a web site offering free on-line concept mapping. Why not borrow the idea of cause mapping and use one of the software programs previously mentioned, to map out and investigate the problem? Here is how Andy's referral might look using Cmap software to map out all the concerns mentioned by the classroom teacher. The team can use the software to map out causes of the problem and connect them with assessments in order to find a well matched instructional intervention to solve the problem.
