Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE)

Volume 12

Volume 12 Number 1, Pages 3-8

Spring 2001


Teaching Tip
Using Concept Maps to Assess Students' Understanding of Information Systems


Lee A. Freeman
University of Michigan - Dearborn
Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Andrew Urbaczewski
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164, USA

Abstract: As IS educators, we are tasked with preparing students with a broad education in business and computer information systems, but measuring their total knowledge can be difficult. While the students are often tested in each of their classes on the topics and concepts for that particular class, there is rarely a unifying measure of their knowledge gained over the entire period of time. Of course, faculty could give these graduating students a comprehensive exam to see what the students do remember from their previous courses, but this seems impractical and highly susceptible to measurement errors producing unreliable data. An alternative approach to this type of traditional knowledge assessment at a conceptual level is the use of mental models, specifically concept maps or concept webs.

Keywords: Concept maps, Student assessment, Mental models, Alternative assessment

Download this article: JISE - Volume 12 Number 1, Page 3.pdf


Recommended Citation: Freeman, L. A. & Urbaczewski, A. (2001). Teaching Tip: Using Concept Maps to Assess Students' Understanding of Information Systems. Journal of Information Systems Education, 12(1), 3-8.