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This page provides tips on assessment for College and Graduate classes; see notes for Middle and High School classes.

A College level nodemap can be content heavy, but organization is the key. Do the nodes flow one to the next in the right order? Are there a sufficient number of nodes to cover the topic completely? Perhaps a nodemap is needed for each chapter of the textbook. Examples that include web links and/or pictures are a plus. Web links are very suitable for this age level because of the wealth of information available on the Internet. You need to assess each nodemap individually based on its own merit. Have the guidelines been followed? Have students internalized the content so that they can write node content in their own words? Don’t forget to give students the suggested guidelines to follow. The rubric may be used or adapted as you see fit.

Two components should be considered when assessing nodemaps: the content and the presentation. The content includes the words and phrases that logically flow one to the next. They should be in the correct order and explanations for one principle cannot be placed with an example from another section or chapter. Each lengthy chapter or section deserves its own nodemap; otherwise the whole nodemap may become unwieldy. So, in addition to the start-up set of nodes, you need to carefully look at the second, third, fourth, and fifth level of nodes for the procession of ideas. Some of the nodes will be text heavy, but can it be bulleted for efficiency as opposed to wordy.

In evaluating the presentation of the nodemap, you need to look at the choice of shapes of nodes, the colors used, the connectors, the size of the print, and the cleverness of phrases and titles. It is possible to have an excellent, creative presentation but the wrong content, and vice versa. Your grading needs to incorporate these two factors.

• Is there consistency?
• Is the language appropriate for the audience?
• Is the content correct?
• Are sub-categories placed where they belong?
• Are there any extras not covered in class?
• Is there a flow of ideas?
• Is there color?
• Are there pictures?
• Are there any links to videos or web sites?
• Is there more than the minimum required?

This could be copy/pasted and given to students as tips on doing their project well and getting a good grade.

Your nodemap is similar to a concept map, with the addition of boxes, ovals, clouds, or stars; color; pictures, photographs, and videos; and links to web pages. It should be fun to look at, easy to navigate, and complete with examples and explanations.

• Do you have the content of the main nodes adequately placed?
• Have you summarized the content of the nodes?
• Do you use as many sub-categories as possible?
• Do you have connectors?
• Do you vary the size of the print?
• Are you using color text?
• Have you uploaded pictures?
• Have you correctly followed examples on the web site or in the textbook?
• Have you included examples you might have seen at home?
• Are you thinking about your friends when you write your nodes?
• Does your node map make someone smile?
• Do you include any extra ideas?
• Do you have quotes from your teacher?

Please take a few minutes to let us know how the nodemap lesson worked with your class. Email us your thoughts, experiences, or other assessment ideas. Were you able to navigate the site? Did the students encounter any specific problems? Did the buttons and the custom edit features work? Do you have any exemplary nodemaps? The more we know, the better we can make this site. Thank you for your help.