Using Thinking Maps Across the Curriculum

Visual Patterns Eric Jensin’s research on the way the brain processes information: 84% of all information that comes to the brain is visual. 40% of all nerve fibers connected to the brain are linked to the retina. 36,000 visual messages per hour may be registered to by the eyes.

The Creation of Thinking Maps David Hyerle connected the brainstorming power of webs and the need for content specific graphics with critical thinking skills. Thinking Maps are visual patterns for critical thinking skills. Each of the 8 basic cognitive skills is connected to a visual as seen in the following slide.

Thinking Maps Benefits: Students learn more effectively and more efficiently Objectives are covered in less time with greater retention Thought processes are represented similarly throughout the curricula Schools also promote integrated thinking and interdisciplinary learning Teachers can easily gauge student knowledge prior to a specific lesson Student performance can be tracked accurately over time Students gain effective tools to use across their academic careers

Thinking Maps… What they look like:

Again, there are only 8 Thinking Maps for the 8 basic cognitive skills… 1. Circle Map - for defining in context 2. Tree Map - for classifying 3. Bubble Map - for describing 4. Double Bubble Map - for comparing and contrasting 5. Flow Map - for sequencing 6. Multi-Flow Map - for cause and effect 7. Brace Map - for whole/part relationships 8. Bridge Map - for analogies

What researchers, school leaders, students and other educational leaders are saying about visual tools and Thinking Maps: Pat Wolfe "Neuroscientists tell us that the brain organizes information in networks and maps." Robert Marzano, Ph.D. "Knowledge is stored in two forms: linguistic and non-linguistically. Research proves that the more we use both systems of representation the better we are able to think and recall knowledge." Art Costa, Ph.D. "School is a home for the mind" Thomasina DePinto, Ph.D. "Thinking Maps is within the reach of any school, replicable, and may refine and even reframe reading and writing instruction"

Let’s Begin …. ….with a Circle Map. Using the template at your tables… 1. Put your name in the center circle. 2. Within the other circle, write what you know about yourself. 3. Within the “frame of reference,” tell how you know these things about yourself (ie: from friends, family, self-reflection, etc.). Share with a partner. 5. You could also do a “Gallery Walk” and post everyone’s circles. As you read others’ Circle Maps, highlight 1-2 things you’d like to hear more about. Then give each person a turn to expand on the highlighted items.

Let’s do one more… Only now you’re going to make a Bubble Map about a MATH topic! **Don’t forget to include your “frame of reference” around your map. When you are finished, share with a neighbor. Now, let’s watch a video of math students discussing their use of thinking maps with David Hyerle…

How to Introduce Thinking Maps… Ordinarily, you would gradually introduce each of the 8 thinking maps over the course of a semester. Most people start with the Circle Map, then move on to the Bubble Map and then on to the Double Bubble Map, etc. But, for Math, I’ve found that the Flow Map and the Tree Map are very useful, so you may want to start with one of them. There is no specific order that Thinking Maps must be introduced to students.

Grade Level or Content Area Standards Making the Connection Create a Tree Map with a category for each of the 8 maps. Use the labels to match State Standards/Power Standards/Math Concepts with how each map could be used to teach a standard or math concept. If more than one map is needed, write the name of the map below the standard/concept label. Grade Level or Content Area Standards *http://www.kentisd.org/teachers/curriculum/kentcountypowerstandards/mathpowerstandards/

Making the 8 different Thinking Maps… Do you have a Power Standard or Math Topic under each of your Thinking Maps in the Tree Map you just finished? Good…. Now, see if you can create one of each of the different types of Thinking Maps!

STARTER PATTERNS FOR MATHEMATICS