Thinking Maps®

The Networking Brain and Mind
How does the Thinking Maps model offer a synthesis of brain research and cognitive science… based on the research of Art Costa, Pat Wolfe, Howard Gardner, and Daniel Goldman?
Click here (pdf file) to read excerpts from Chapter 2: A Field Guide to Using Visual Tools, (ASCD, 2000), by David Hyerle, Ed.D.Thinking Maps® as a Transformational Language for Learning
Click here to read excerpts from Chapter 1: Thinking Maps® as a Transformational Language for Learning.

Thinking Maps – The Concept
Thinking Maps® were developed as a language for learning in 1988 by Dr. David Hyerle. There are eight maps in this language that are used by teachers and students (K – 12 and adult education and business) for reading comprehension, writing process problem solving, and thinking skills improvement. Thinking Maps Software is now available for whole learning communities. www.thinkingmaps.com

Each of the eight Thinking Maps is based on a fundamental cognitive skill such as comparing and contrasting, sequencing, classifying, and cause-effect reasoning. Much like carpenters using a set of tools, multiple Thinking Maps are used as a eight maps icon toolkit by students for constructing knowledge: for improving the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics as well as for problem-solving and the development of higher-order thinking abilities. A wealth of research and published articles supports the use of different types of Visual Tools generally, and Thinking Maps specifically. New brain research provides even greater insights into why most students perform better when using Thinking Maps.

[Note: The term “Thinking Maps” and the term “Thinking Maps” with the graphic forms of the eight Maps have registered trademarks. No use of the term “Thinking Maps” with or without the graphic forms of the eight Maps may be used in any way without the permission of Innovative Sciences, Inc.]

Thinking Maps – Whole School Change
Professional development training focuses primarily on whole school and feeder pattern training, so that students and teachers have continuous use of these tools over multiple years. Capacity Building, Training of Trainers, and optional multi-year follow-up are different formats for supporting long term change.

Training for a whole school requires training materials, 6 hours of workshop training, and two follow-up days. These follow-up days often include demonstration lessons, curriculum design, constructive feedback, and Mapping the Standards use of Thinking Maps Software.

Thinking Maps – Research
The Thinking Maps whole school change design has been used by individual schools and districts since 1990. Extensive quantitative evidence (as published in “A Field Guide to Using Visual Tools“) shows direct changes in student performance on reading, writing, and mathematics test scores. Thinking Maps are also being used in Singapore and schools in New Zealand.

Here is some work done by Singapore teachers during a full day training in Thinking Maps! Because Thinking Maps are based on fundamental, natural thinking processes, these tools may be used in any culture and with any language. ESL and Bilingual teachers immediately see how Thinking Maps become the cognitive bridge for second language learning!
More Research Information
Ordering Information ICTU RE OF CHINESE SYMBOLS IN THINKING MAPS]

Thinking Maps – The Software
With Thinking Maps software, students and teachers can use the computer to reap the benefits of Thinking Maps. This Windows or Macintosh compatible software package reinforces Thinking Maps while providing computer-based activities for students!

With over 80 tutorials and exercises, students can practice the proper use of the maps, while the software’s ability to build maps from scratch allows students to customize the maps to their lesson requirements.
The tutorials allow students to construct their maps in the map window as they respond to prompts in the directions window.

Go to the Thinking Maps software page at Innovative Learning Group to download a demo version.

Thinking Maps – The Maps
The following webpages include student examples for each of the Thinking Maps.

• Brace Map
• Bridge Map
• Bubble Map
• Circle Map
• Double Bubble Map
• Flow Map
• Multi-Flow Map
• Tree Map

Click here to read excerpts from Chapter 1: Thinking Maps® as a Transformational Language for Learning.

Source: Map The Mind