Seminar 1:

19 March
Computer–Aided Argument Mapping as a Teaching and Learning Tool
Martin Davies, Teaching and Learning Unit
Venue: Percy Baxter Room, Baillieu Library

Abstract
In recent years academics and educators have begun to use software mapping tools for a number of education-related purposes. Typically, the tools are used to impart critical and analytical skills to students, to enable students to see relationships between concepts, and also as a method of assessment. The common feature of all these tools is the use of diagrammatic relationships of various kinds in preference to written or verbal descriptions. Pictures and structured diagrams are thought to be more comprehensible than words, and a better way to demonstrate understanding of complex topics. Variants of these tools are available under different names: “concept mapping”, “mind mapping” and   “computer-aided argument mapping” (CAAM). Sometimes these terms are used synonymously. However, as this presentation will demonstrate, there are clear differences in each of these mapping tools. This presentation provides a brief outline of the various tools available and their advantages and disadvantages and suggests ways in which the mapping technologies might be converging. The presentation also outlines the use of CAAM as an educational tool within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce from a pilot within an upper-level Economics subject. The presentation will provide a hands-on experience using the argument mapping software Rationale. Participants are encouraged to bring along an example of a short argument from their own discipline to practice when using the software. Suggestions will be made about how it might be used in the classroom as a teaching, learning and assessment tool.

Bio: Dr Martin Davies holds doctorates in Philosophy from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University and teaching qualifications from Cambridge University. He won the H. J. Allen Prize in Philosophy from the University of Adelaide in 2002. He is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director in the Teaching and Learning Unit in the Faculty of Economics and Commerce and an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Economics.  Martin is the author of four books and around 15 scholarly papers in refereed journals in areas as diverse as political science, cognitive science, higher education, economics education, philosophy and English as a Second Language. He has a long-standing interest in computer-aided argument mapping and has trialled the tool over three years in the Economics subject Australian Economic History (316-214). He has most recently arranged to trial CAAM in the Management subject, Organisations, Ethics and Society (316-325).

Mind Mapping, Concept Mapping and Argument Mapping Seminar slides (ppt 2Mb)

Concept Mapping, Mind Mapping and Argument Mapping: What are the Differences and Do They Matter?W. Martin Davies (PDF 373Kb)