Drawing Out Learning With Thinking Maps

"As a visual language framework, Thinking Mapsa offers a way for young learners to represent their ideas by visually mapping their fundamental patterns of thinking. The authors offer a wide range of materials, strategies, and evidence-based practices for implementing with Pre-K-2 children"--

Use Thinking Maps® as a GPS for student success Neuroscientists tell us that the brain organizes information in networks and maps. What better way to teach students to express their ideas than with the same method used by the brain? Student Successes With Thinking Maps presents eight powerful visual models that boost all learners' metacognitive and critical thinking skills. Enriched with new research, a wealth of examples, and cross-content applications, this novel and effective resource helps students: Organize thoughts Examine relationships Enhance reasoning skills Create connections between subjects Engage with content

Thinking Maps are visual teaching tools that foster and encourage lifelong learning. They're based on a simple yet profound insight: The one common instructional thread that binds together all teachers, from pre-kindergarten through postgraduate, is that they all teach the same thought processes.

This training manual for teachers in grades K-12 is a basic instruction guide for learning the Thinking Maps common visual language.

"Helps teachers think about what they are doing in the classroom with graphic organizers and how they can use them more effectively." —Mark Johnson, Principal Glenwood Elementary School, Kearney, NE "With an emphasis on transforming information into knowledge, everyone who considers themselves a learner or a facilitator of someone else′s learning would benefit from the author′s message and ideas." —Judith A. Rogers, Professional Learning Specialist Tucson Unified School District, AZ Develop students′ thinking, note-taking, and study skills with powerful visual tools! Visual tools have the unique capacity to communicate rich patterns of thinking and help students take control of their own learning. This second edition of A Field Guide to Using Visual Tools shows teachers of all grades and disciplines how to use these tools to improve instruction and generate significant positive changes in students′ cognitive development and classroom performance. Expert David Hyerle describes three basic types of visual tools: brainstorming webs that nurture creativity, graphic organizers that build analytical skills and help process specific content, and concept maps that promote cognitive development and critical thinking. Updated with new research and applications for three kinds of Thinking Maps®, this essential resource: Expands teacher skills with practical guides for using each type of tool Presents recent research on effective instructional strategies, reading comprehension, and how the brain works Includes templates, examples, and more than 70 figures that show classroom applications By utilizing these powerful, brain-compatible learning aids, teachers can help students strengthen higher-order thinking skills, master content and conceptual knowledge, and become independent learners!