“A thinking map is a graphic tool directly linked to a specific thought process that is used by all teachers and all students in a consistent manner across all grade level and curriculum areas.”
Price, R. (2015). Pat Wolfe - Brain Research - Thinking Maps, Retrieved at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJFAcVCJxVk
Underlying theory and Philosophy.The brain is primarily visual. Therefore the Thinking Maps work with the brain because they are a visual tool. Children use Thinking Maps to show different aspects of their thinking. (When teachers use visual tools, students are able to remember it for longer because the brain is primarily visual)
Thinking Maps are a “dynamic, student-centered language.” This means that they are a self-motivated (once taught, children can automatically use them) active tool that enables students to visualise, order and processes their cognitive thoughts to produce the desired and intended product of specific learning outcomes. Emotion and meaning are the two keys that help with attention. If a child can emotionally connect with something they are more likely to pay attention.Thus resulting in gaining meaning. |
What are thinking maps?
-