Preconceptions Regarding Concept Maps Held by Panamanian Teachers

Many studies have shown that, as a tool for the organization and representation of knowledge, concept maps can support meaningful learning and knowledge construction processes. Good concept maps can lead to the discovery of new and unsuspected relations among concepts, thereby stimulating students’ creativity. In Panama, concept maps have been known and used for years. This study examines Panamanian public elementary schoolteachers’ preconceptions about concept maps and their use. The study was carried out with teachers beginning training in the Conectate al Conocimiento Project’s workshops, and shows that although a very high percentage of teachers are familiar with concept maps, and a great many claim to use them in their classrooms, most of them have serious conceptual errors regarding this tool. Results highlight possible reasons why concept maps have not had the expected impact in Panama’s schools, and allow us to make adjustments to the teaching strategies implemented at the workshops in order to improve their outcome.