Constructive Tool


                    Constructive tool 

 During this session on  9/5/2024  we were introduced to Constructive tools  which are resources used in education to empower students to give and receive feedback in a way that promotes deeper understanding and growth. These tools go beyond simply pointing out errors and instead focus on providing actionable guidance and fostering meaningful learning conversations.

Benefits of Constructive Tools:

  • Improved Learning Outcomes: By providing clear and specific feedback, students can identify areas for improvement and refine their understanding of the material.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Constructive tools can make learning more interactive and student-centered. Students become active participants in the learning process, taking ownership of their progress.
  • Development of Critical Thinking Skills: The process of giving and receiving constructive feedback encourages students to analyze their work objectively, identify strengths and weaknesses, and consider different perspectives.
  • Stronger Collaboration: Constructive tools can be used to facilitate peer review and group work, fostering collaboration and communication skills.

Examples of Constructive Tools:

  • Graphic organizers: Templates that guide students in structuring their feedback, focusing on specific criteria.







Online platforms: Collaborative platforms can provide a structured space for students to provide and receive feedback electronically. Some popular options include Google Classroom, Padlet, Peergrade.








Cmap: Building Visual Knowledge Maps for Constructive Learning

Cmap, developed by the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), is a software program specifically designed to create concept maps. Concept maps are visual representations of knowledge that use nodes (concepts) and connecting lines (relationships) to show how ideas are linked. Cmap serves as a powerful constructive tool, allowing students to not only organize their own understanding but also to effectively provide and receive feedback on complex topics.

Benefits of Using Cmap:

  • Visual Learning: Cmaps leverage the power of visual representation, making it easier for students to grasp relationships between concepts and retain information.
  • Organization and Structure: The process of creating a concept map encourages students to organize their knowledge and identify key relationships between ideas.
  • Collaboration and Feedback: Cmap allows for collaborative knowledge building. Students can work together to develop a concept map, promoting discussion and constructive feedback.
  • Assessment Tool: Concept maps can be used as formative assessments to gauge student understanding and identify areas where they might need additional support.

Creating a Cmap:

  1. Start with a Focus Question: Begin by defining the central question or topic the concept map will explore. This will guide the selection and organization of concepts.
  2. Identify Key Concepts: Brainstorm and list the key concepts related to the focus question. These will become the nodes of your Cmap.
  3. Organize the Nodes: Arrange the concepts on the Cmap workspace in a way that reflects their relationships. Concepts that are closely related should be positioned closer together.
  4. Connect the Nodes: Use linking arrows to show connections between concepts. Label the arrows with words or phrases that describe the nature of the relationship (e.g., "causes," "influences," "compares to").
  5. Add Details: Expand on each concept by adding details, explanations, or examples within the node itself. Images or multimedia can also be incorporated for richer representation.
  6. Refine and Share: Once the initial map is complete, take time to review and refine it. Cmaps can be easily shared electronically, facilitating collaborative learning and peer feedback.












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