Thinking Maps

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Thinking Maps are a set of graphic organizer techniques used in K-12 education . There are eight maps that are designed to correspond with eight different fundamental thinking processes. They are supposed to provide a common visual language to information structure, often employed when students take notes.

Thinking Maps are visual tools for learning, and include eight visual patterns each linked to a specific cognitive process. Thinking Maps may be applied in all content areas and all grade levels by all teachers. The eight map types are:

• Radial tree - used for defining in context
• Concept map - used for describing with adjectives
• Flowchart - used for sequencing and ordering
• Brace map - used for identifying part/whole relationships
• Tree Map - used for classifying/grouping
• Double bubble map - used for comparing and contrasting
• Multi-flow map - used for analyzing causes and effects
• Bridge map - used for illustrating analogies

By linking each thinking skill to a unique and dynamic visual representation, the language of Thinking Maps becomes a tool set for supporting effective instructional practice and improving student performance. Teachers and students, therefore, independently apply thinking skills for their own learning while also having a common visual language for cooperative learning. By having a rich language of visual maps based on thinking processes, learners are no longer confused by poorly organized brainstorming webs or an endless array of static graphic organizers. They are enabled to move from concrete to abstract concepts, think with depth, and directly apply their thinking to complex tasks.

See also

• Portal:Thinking

References

1. ^ Hyerle, Ed. D., David (2007). Florance McEachern. ed (in English). A Language for Learning. North Carolina: Thinking Maps Inc.. pp. vi. ISBN 1-884582-27-3. 

External links

• Thinking Maps at the Designs for Thinking website
• Thinking Maps Inc. website
• Kestrel Education website