Thinking Maps are a visual way to organize thinking using 8 maps based on fundamental thinking processes like comparing and contrasting. They help improve basic skills and higher-order thinking. Students learn more effectively using Thinking Maps versus graphic organizers because Thinking Maps are flexible, transfer between subjects more easily, and are student-centered rather than teacher-oriented. The 8 Thinking Maps are: Circle Map, Bubble Map, Flow Map, Brace Map, Tree Map, Double Bubble Map, Multi-Flow Map, and Bridge Map.

1. Thinking Maps
MEGAN GORDON
EDIM 510
2011

2. What are Thinking Maps?
 Visual way to organize thinking and learning in a
concise way.
 8 kinds of thinking maps are based on 8
fundamental thinking processes such as comparing
and contrasting, sequencing, classifying, and
cause-effect reasoning.
 For improving the basics of reading, writing, and
mathematics as well as for problem-solving and
the development of higher-order thinking abilities .

3. Why use Thinking Maps?
 Students learn more effectively and with greater
retention
 Thought processes are cross curricular
 Gauge student prior knowledge
 Student performance can be tracked accurately over
time
 Skills can carry across students’ academic careers
 Lifelong thinking tools

4. Eight Thinking Maps
 Circle Map: for defining
context
 Bubble Map: for describing
with adjectives
 Flow Map : for sequencing
and ordering
 Brace Map : for identifying
part/whole relationships
 Tree Map : for
classifying/grouping
 Double Bubble Map: for
comparing and contrasting
 Multi-flow Map: for
analyzing causes and effects
 Bridge Map: for seeing
analogies

5. Thinking Maps vs. Graphic Organizers
Similarities:
Both thinking/mind maps and graphic organizers are visual
tools useful for teaching and assessment. Both are highly
successful and have concrete patterns.
Differences:
Thinking Maps Graphic Organizers
•Based on fundamental •Based on isolated tasks
thinking skills •determined forms
•Flexible forms •Difficult to transfer to other
•Transfers easily across subjects
subjects •Teacher oriented
•Student centered

6. Thinking Maps Graphic Organizers

7. Thinking Map Steps
1. Determine the type of thinking
2. Decide on the information to put in your
map
3. Draw the outline of the map.
4. Add information
5. Study the information.
6. Create more than one thinking map about
a given topic.

8. References
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandijordan/561677456
3/
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanlouis_zimmermann/
3041475977/
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/luigimengato/513158098
7/
 http://www.mapthemind.com/thinkingmaps/what_are_
tm.html#what
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmiehomeschoolmom/
3820231914/
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsdkrebs/6078016953/