THOUGHT OF THE DAY

The entire creation is based on truth. Where there is truth, there you find plenty and prosperity. Human life is not meant to enjoy physical comforts and worldly pleasures, which are momentary. It is meant to set an ideal to the rest of the world. Ask yourself, “Having lived all these years, what is the ideal I have set and achieved?” You might have done a few good deeds in life, but they may be outdone by the number of bad deeds you may have performed. That is not the quality of a human being. Cultivate good thoughts, speak good words and perform good deeds. That is true humanness. We remember the ancient sages and seers even today because of the good deeds they have performed. Do unto others what you would like others to do unto you. Do not indiscriminately follow the mind, for the mind is like a mad monkey. Follow your conscience. Love is the undercurrent of all this. So lead a life suffused with love. (Divine Discourse, Aug 22, 2000) - BABA

CONCEPT MAP - A Pedagogical Tool

Concept map

How to use a concept map

A concept map is similar to a structured overview. The concept map is an arrangement of key words and concepts on a topic. Lines connect the words or subtopics showing their relationship to the central idea and to each other. The more general key words are often in the centre and the details or examples are connected to these keys words with lines.

The teacher prepares a list of key words for a topic and gives a set of words to each pair or small group. The students group related words and put them in position on a piece of paper or card. They draw the links (arrows) between the words and linking words are written above each linking arrow. Discussion at this point helps clarify understanding of concepts. There is no one right way to arrange and link the words. The task should take about 45 minutes to complete.

Benefits of concept maps

This diagrammatic overview of the topic helps tie new information to existing knowledge. It can be used to introduce a topic, finding out what students already know and providing a framework for studying the topic. It can be added to as the learning progresses or it can be used for review at the end of a unit. It may be teacher organised, teacher and student organised or student organised. It can be used individually, in pairs or small groups.

 Students developing concept maps use paired or small group discussion to:

link new information to existing knowledge

think about relationships between ideas

categorise ideas

clarify their thoughts

learn key vocabulary.