Introduction
Scholars of critical thinking have begun to gather evidence for the claim that mapping arguments and concepts aids the student in developing their critical thinking as well as their ability to write high quality essays. We are putting together an edited volume of classroom tested uses of mapping with regard to critical thinking and writing. If you have undertaken such a practice, kindergarten through postgraduate level, please consider writing a proposal for a chapter in this book.
The Overall Objective of the Book
One of the essential outcomes of education is for students to become competent, critical thinkers. The purpose of this book is to develop strategies for teachers to use with students based on practice and research in visual representation argument mapping, concept mapping, and visual deliberation.
The essential question for this project is as follows: Can students improve their critical thinking, their understanding and production of arguments by being given practice in mapping? We propose to examine this question with cases offered by faculty who have used mapping to enhance learning at all levels. Our purpose will be to develop the teacher’s understanding of how to use visual representation to facilitate learning.
Target Audience
The prospective audience is the academic audience and the practical world of users from business, journalism, research, politics, medicine, information technology, and entertainment. The readers will be people who want to understand how they can facilitate the learner’s ability to analyze complex situations/arguments, to engage in deep analysis, and to construct essays and other forms of exposition.
Recommended topics include but are not limited to, the following:
I. FOUNDATIONS. Literature review and research evidence on the question of the effectiveness of mapping to improve critical thinking and writing.
II. PROCESSES. [Contributed chapters, potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following]:
•Deep analysis of arguments/scenarios
•Collaboration and teamwork
•Feedback for the teacher
•Feedback for the learner
•Discourse analysis
•Recognition of components in an argument
•Recognition of relationships in an argument
•Elaboration of ideas
•Interpersonal communication.
•Motivation
•Online teaching using mapping
•Quality of outcomes
•Participation.
•Self-expression.
•Literacy
•Online database searching and information literacy
•Mapping in business
•Mapping in journalism
•Mapping in medical and nursing education
•Patient education
•Mapping for law students
•Learner progress in mapping
•Leadership
•Qualitative research
III. CONTEXTS. [Contributed chapters, potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following]:
•Business contexts.
•Educational contexts.
•International or intercultural contexts.
•One-on-one contexts.
•Political systems.
•Social networking.
•Social or religious change.
Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to electronically submit a 2-3 page manuscript proposal, which clearly explains the purpose and central ideas of their proposed case chapter. Prospective authors are welcome to submit a conference paper, which has potential for revision to a case chapter. For primary consideration, proposals need to be submitted by September 1st.
Each case study chapter will be a detailed account of an individual, group, organization, or system. The detailed example may include personal perspectives of the author or quotes from people involved. Case organization should include these components:
•Background of the case, and relevant research and theoretical issues.
•Technology Use, advancements, and people described in the case.
•Case Description of technology concerns, technology components, management and organizational concerns.
•Current Challenges facing the organization and the current status of the aforementioned challenges and problems.
•References.
•Additional Readings.
•Questions for Discussion.
All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. The book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global, (Formerly Idea Group Inc.), www.igi-global.com, publisher of the Information Science Reference (formerly "Idea Group Reference") and Medical Information Science Reference imprints. Inquires and submissions can be forwarded electronically (Word document) or by mail to the contact editor Dr. Leonard Shedletsky.
APA Style Manual.
The Length of the Case Chapter
The length of the proposed chapter will vary according to content, but typically about 8000 words including an abstract, references and an additional reading list.
Important Dates:
September 1, 2012: Proposal Submission Deadline
November 1, 2012:Full Case Submission
January 15, 2013:Review Result Returned
March 15, 2013:Final Case Submission
May 15, 2013:Final deadline