Why are mind maps helpful in Language Teaching?
Do your students know how to study for an exam? When it comes to my learners, I notice they lack organization and study skills. During oral exams, some of them repeat like parrots the information given without understanding what they are actually saying. So I thought it was time to start teaching them effective studying methods like mindmaps.
Mind maps are a helpful tool for recalling information since they are a visual representation of a piece of information.
The creator of mind mapping is Tony Buzan, a British psychologist. He’s an expert on the brain, memory, creativity, and innovation. This is what he says about mind maps “A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color, and spatial awareness in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite expanses of your brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance.”
Why are mind maps so helpful in Language Teaching?
- Your brain thinks in colors and pictures. If, for instance, I tell you the word “elephant,” you will immediately get the image of the animal in your brain.
- Your brain doesn’t think in straight lines, so writing a list of words to remember vocabulary will not help.
- A mind map connects the main idea to its subtopics. This is a valuable way to organize your thinking.
Mindmaps help students to:
- Brainstorm a concept and come out with awesome ideas!
- Go from a general idea to a more specific one
- Save time
- Revise before an exam
- Have fun
How to make a mind map?
1. Write a word in the middle of a blank sheet of paper that summarizes your subject. Add a picture in the middle of the page that represents your main topic
2. Draw some curved lines coming out of the main idea. These branches represent the sub-topics of your main idea. Write keywords for these subtopics and if possible, draw a picture for each of them.
3. From each of these ideas, you can add more branches coming out of them. These additional branches are the details.
OK, time to try it! You can download some useful mindmaps HERE!
Check out these apps/websites to make mind maps with your students.
