Thinking MapsThinking MapsTools for Learning
Presentation by Beth Waters
For McMurray Middle School
October 2008
What Are Thinking Maps?
• Thinking Maps are 8 visual-verbal learning tools, each based on a fundamental thinking process, and used together as a set of tools for showing relationships. set of tools for showing relationships.
• Each Thinking Map has a basic visual starting point.
Why Use Thinking Maps?
• Thinking Maps give all students and teachers a common language for meaningful learning.
• The consistency and flexibility of each • The consistency and flexibility of each Thinking Map promotes student-centered and cooperative learning, concept development, reflective thinking, creativity, clarity of communication, and continuous cognitive development.
Purpose of Thinking Maps
THINKING MAPS are a common visual tool in your learning community in your learning community
for transferring thinking processes, integrating learning, and
continuously assessing progress.
Thinking Maps are Research Based
• In the 1960’s, Dr. Albert Upton saw significant changes in the scores of his college freshmen with the implementation of visual tools for basic thinking processes.
• In 1982, Dr. Antoinette Worsham published results of increases in SAT scores of students
• In 1982, Dr. Antoinette Worsham published results of increases in SAT scores of students using Dr. Upton’s tools.
• From 1993-1995, there was a significant increase in reading and writing scores of elementary and secondary students using Thinking Maps based on the doctoral dissertation of Dr. David Hyerle.
The 8 Thinking Maps• Circle Map – Define a concept in context• Bubble Map – Describing Qualities• Double Bubble Map – Compare and Contrast• Tree Map – Classifying• Tree Map – Classifying• Brace Map – Part to Whole• Flow Map – Sequencing• Multi-Flow Map – Cause and Effect• Bridge Map – Seeing Analogies
Circle Map
• Circle maps are for the thinking process of defining in context.
• May be used for:• May be used for:� brainstorming ideas� showing prior knowledge� recording information to put an
idea/thing in context
Circle Map
Read about it in a book
Saw it onTV
MummiesIt is in Africa.
Cleopatra
Have a friend
from there
A Country
Has the Nile River
Has Pyramids
EGYPT
Bubble Map• Bubble maps are for the thinking process
of describing things.
• May be used for:�describing things/ideas using adjectives or �describing things/ideas using adjectives or
adjective phrases�enriching students’ ability to identify
qualities�enriching student’s ability to use adjectives
Bubble Map
Adjective orAdjective
Phrase
Adjective orAdjective
Phrase
Adjective orAdjective
Phrase
Thing to Describe
Phrase
Adjective orAdjective
Phrase
Adjective orAdjective
Phrase
Double Bubble Map
• Double Bubble maps are for the thinking process of comparing and contrasting.
• May be used for:• May be used for:�identifying and describing similarities�identifying and describing differences�comparing shared qualities�contrasting differences
Double Bubble Map
QualityOf
QualityOf
Thing # 1Shared Quality
QualityOf
Thing # 2
Quality
Thing # 1
Of Thing # 1
QualityOf
Thing # 1
Shared Quality
Shared Quality
QualityOf
Thing # 2
QualityOf
Thing # 2Thing # 2
Double Bubble Map
Popular
Shallow MisunderstoodIntelligent
Glinda
Popular
Frightened
Caring
Beautiful
Brave
UnpopularElphaba
Tree Map
• Tree maps are for the thinking process of classifying.
• May be used for:• May be used for:� sorting things into categories or groups� identifying common qualities and subgroups� representing hierarchical classification� grouping of themes, concepts, and ideas
Tree MapCategory
Sub-Category Sub-CategorySub-Category
DetailDetail
Detail
Detail
Detail Detail
DetailDetail
DetailDetail
Tree MapTree MapThe Three Bears
Poppa Bear Baby BearMomma Bear
Hot PorridgeHot Porridge
Hard Chair
Hard Bed
Soft Chair Just Right Chair
Just Right BedSoft Bed
Just Right PorridgeCold Porridge
Brace Map
• Brace maps are for the thinking process of part to whole.
• May be used for:• May be used for:� identifying concrete part to whole relationships� identifying abstract categories or groups of things� identifying the anatomy of any object
Brace Map
Whole
Major Part
Major Part
Subpart
Subpart
SubpartWhole
Object
Major Part
Major Part
Subpart
Subpart
Subpart
Subpart
Brace MapBrace Map
Brass
Trumpet
Tuba
Snare DrumBand Percussion
Woodwinds
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Clarinet
Saxophone
Flow Map
• Flow maps are for the thinking process of sequencing.
• May be used for:�identifying relationships between stages
and substages of an event�sequencing and ordering information
Flow Map
Beginning Second Event Third Event
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Supporting DetailsDetails Details
EndingFourth Event
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Flow Map
Introductory Paragraph
What Happened
Where I Went
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Supporting DetailsDetails Details
ConclusionParagraph
How I Felt
Supporting Details
Supporting Details
Multi-Flow Map• Multi-Flow maps are for the
thinking process of cause and effect.
• May be used for:• May be used for:�showing and analyzing cause and effect
relationships�extending sequence by identifying
interrelated events
Multi-Flow Map
Shortage People get Gas stations
Storms threatento destroy oil
drills.
Pricesincrease.
Shortage Of Gas
in Nashville
People get scared and make
a run for a gasstation.
Gas stationsrun out ofgasoline.
Media reportspossible gasshortages.
We wait for hours in line
for gas.
Bridge Map
• Bridge maps are for the thinking process of seeing analogies.
• May be used for:• May be used for:� identifying similarities between relationships� applying the process of seeing relationships� analyzing relationships to identify the relating
factor
Teaching Thinking Maps
• Introduce each Thinking Map and the thinking process that it addresses.
• Permanently display the Thinking Map poster in the classroom.poster in the classroom.
• Conduct an interactive lesson for each Thinking Map
It is recommended that one week is spent focusing on each individual Thinking Map.
Thinking Maps• Common teaching/assessment tool that
can be used in every classroom.• Each Thinking Map addresses a unique
thinking process.• They are researched based with proven • They are researched based with proven
positive effects on learning.• They are consistent, yet flexible to meet
the needs of any topic, lesson, or learner.• They provide students with a tool to reflect
and clearly communicate their thinking.
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