COGNITIVE MAP REPORT - Standard XII ( Unit II - Heights of Harmony )

 

INTRODUCTION

            A cognitive map is a mental diagram that helps people understand and organize information about a space or a topic. In education, its purpose is to help students see how different ideas or pieces of information are connected. By creating a visual representation of how concepts fit together, cognitive maps make it easier for students to learn, remember, and understand complex subjects. They can also help teachers see how well students grasp the material and identify areas where they might need more help.

This assignment contains a cognitive map for Plus Two students, based on the unit titled Heights of Harmony.

PREPARATION

The process of cognitive mapping involves three steps:

(i)   List key concepts or terms related to the topic.

(ii)  Build up concepts to elaborate key concepts.

(iii) Identify links between concepts.

            The unit taken for cognitive mapping is Heights of Harmony. This unit portrays the theme that by embracing essential qualities and principles, individuals can learn to coexist harmoniously and strengthen the social fabric of human relations.  The chapters titled Mending Wall, Amigo Brothers and The Hour of Truth are taken for cognitive mapping. The major themes, characters and activities related to the topics are listed and links were identified with the concepts. Keeping all these in mind, an outline was created and based on the outline, the cognitive map was drafted.

BENEFITS

There are several benefits of using cognitive maps. A cognitive map –

Ø  * provides an overview of a topic with a clear, visual representation that illustrates the relationships between its various elements.

Ø    * helps students see relationships between ideas, concepts, or authors.

Ø    * helps memory recall.

Ø    * helps to clarify and structure ideas.

Ø    *  aids in developing higher-level thinking skills (create, analyze, evaluate).

Ø    *  encourages students to think creatively about the subject.

OUTLINE

Unit II – Heights of Harmony

I) Topic : Mending Wall

Key Concepts, Sub - themes and Activities.

a) Poem.

b) Poet : Robert Frost.

c) Themes : Difficulties of change in society, borders, the value of work and change and

                    modernity.

d) Activities : Paragraph writing, appreciation and comparison.

II) Topic : Amigo Brothers

Key Concepts, Sub - themes and Activities.

a) Short story.

b) Author : Piri Thomas.

c) Plot : Story of two best friends who must navigate their friendship while competing against

             each other in a boxing match.

d) Characters : Antonio and Felix.

e) Themes : Value of power and friendship, importance of sportsmanship and brotherhood.

f) Activities : Write – up, making announcements, newspaper report, debate, book review,

                        homonyms and vocabulary.

 

III) Topic : The Hour of Truth

Key Concepts, Sub - themes and Activities.

a) One Act Play.

b) Playwright : Percival Wilde.

c) Plot : Play in which a man encounters a moral crisis when he is tempted to accept a bribe to lie

             in court, forcing him to choose between personal benefit and maintaining his integrity.

d) Characters : Robert Baldwin, Martha, John Gresham, Evie and Mr. Marshall.

e) Themes : Corrupting influence of money on people, greed and its effects, good gets reward

                    and bad gets punishment and how easily people forgets their morals and values

                    before money.

f) Activities : Analysis, write – up, character sketch, group discussion, compering, reader’s

                       theatre, language practice and let’s edit.

EXPLANATION

          The unit Heights of Harmony includes chapters that focus on harmonious relationships. It consists of chapters titled Mending Wall, Amigo Brothers and The Hour of Truth. The chapter Mending Wall describes how the speaker and a neighbor meet to rebuild a stone wall between their properties. The poem analyses the nature of human relationships. The chapter Amigo Brothers is a short story about true friendship. It is difficult for people to engage in healthy competition and at the same time maintain a warm relationship. In the play The Hour of Truth, a man faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between personal gain and integrity after being offered a bribe to lie in court.

CONCLUSION

            The cognitive map based on the unit Heights of Harmony, contains detailed information on the key concepts, sub – themes and activities. The map was prepared using chart paper, sketch pens and markers.

A cognitive map can aid both students and teachers in understanding the material by highlighting links and connections. It is especially useful for visual learners, as it allows them to easily grasp the overarching concept and visualize the relationships between elements. This tool helps students process and organize large amounts of information effectively.