Concepts are abstract ideas or principles that require understanding and contextualization. When visualizing concepts, consider using:
- Mindmaps: Create mind maps to visually represent the relationships between different components of a concept. The following sample shows how to define relationships between all the concepts. Source: Image by Freepik
As instructional designers, you can use mind maps to create a high-level overview of the curriculum or content outline. Each node in the mind map can represent a specific concept or topic that needs to be taught. The branches connecting these nodes show the relationships between these concepts, helping you establish a structured learning sequence. It allows to visually map out the learning journey, making it easier to identify dependencies, prioritize topics, and ensure a coherent and effective learning experience for the learners.
- Visual Metaphors: Utilize metaphors or analogies to relate abstract concepts to familiar objects or scenarios. For example to represent teamwork, an abstract concept, we can use Puzzle pieces. Source: Image by storyset on Freepik
Another example could be of an analogy where you compare two very different things using a similarity. Say learning is like building a house. You use image of a construction and you point out different construction steps with the steps to learn. Source: Image by brgfx on Freepik
