29 Mind maps
Definition
A type of graphic organizer that supports student organization of their thinking on a topic. Typically, the mind map is centered on a keyword with designated spaces surrounding for related information, ideas, and facts. Resulting is a tool that visually organizes thinking on a topic to enhance a student’s ability to think and communicate on a given topic.
In action
Teachers should provide mind maps to students at various stages of learning, such as when they are asked to write about a specific topic. Teachers can also create mind maps that are scaffolded and tailored to students’ individual needs so they can plan and organize their ideas independently before beginning a related task.
Support Strategies
- Students can use mind maps as a pre-reading strategy to engage and build their background knowledge on a topic, independently or as a class
- Provide students with mind maps that contain prompts reminding them what to include (e.g., specific vocabulary words), which they can consult while completing the task
- Model and teach use of mind maps
- Encourage the use of pictures and visuals in mind maps to help students express their knowledge
- Encourage planning and organization by asking students to submit their mind maps as precursor to submitting the main assignment (e.g., paper, presentation).
Case Study
Student: Grade 3 student in a science class
Content: The teacher is reading a story that explains the water cycle and students are encouraged to raise their hands to share what they know with the class.
Problem: Some students struggle to recall certain terms and articulate their ideas about the water cycle in response to the teacher’s questions.
Solution: Before teaching the water cycle, the teacher provides students with a mind map with the term “water cycle” in the center as well as a list of key vocabulary for the unit. The teacher asks students to write or draw what they know about the water cycle on the mind map. The teacher asks students to bring their mind maps to the carpet so they can use them as a reference when thinking about and responding to the teacher’s questions.
Additional Resources
- Video from a teacher illustrating an example Mindmap for a class activity on weather
- Description and examples of concept maps, an extension of mind maps, from Reading Rockets
- Description of mind mapping from LD@School
- Quick and concise definition of mind mapping with rationale and steps to begin from the University of Portsmouth, UK
- Short article on using Mind Maps for critical thinking from University of South Carolina
