MIND MAPPING
Visualizing for Meaning Assignment
The way in which an individual learns is
almost as unique as his or her personality. One of the major principles of
constructivist pedagogy involves structuring learning around primary concepts.
Mind mapping is a teaching and learning tool in which one conveys thoughts and
ideas using graphics and visualization of thoughts.
In mind/concept mapping a diagram is created
that shows interrelationships among concepts that represent meaning. The
creator of the map arranges concepts hierarchically with the concepts
progressing from the most general at the top (or sometimes centered) and the
most specific at the bottom or encircling the general concept. It allows
information to be sorted and shown by relevance to the central concept.
Mind/concept mapping can also be used for
brainstorming. New ideas can connect or be totally isolated having no
relationship to one another.
Used in instruction, mind/concept mapping
allows the student to become more involved in the learning process, encourages
them to link prior knowledge to new information, supports problem solving and
planning and allows them to see where there are gaps in their knowledge of the
topic. Concept/mind mapping is helpful in weeding out non-related information
from lessons, allowing instructors to compare and contrast the ways that
students organize knowledge and giving the teacher to use more effective methods
of instruction and promotes discussion and idea creation among students.
Concept mapping was developed by Dr. Joseph
Novak at Cornell University in the early 1960’s.
ASSIGNMENT
Your assignment is to create a mind map of
your vision of a brain based learning classroom. You will do this using the
required software (Inspiration or Kidspiration). To complete the project,
follow the steps below.
1. You have been furnished a bibliography
of Internet resources about
mind/concept mapping. Explore these resources to develop a good
understanding of how mind/concept mapping is used. You will find tutorials
among the resources that will be helpful to you as you work on your mind maps.
A very good resource is “Inspiring Teachers Want to Know” which is listed in the
bibliography of Internet sites.
2. Construct a mind/concept map of your view
of a classroom that supports brain based learning. The map must incorporate all
of the elements that create a positive learning environment and encourage
learning the way the brain learns.
3. Write a brief explanatory paper to
supplement the mind map. This paper should explain your map so that others
understand your concepts and ideas. The paper should be 2-4 pages in length.
Paste the explanatory paper below the mind map so that it is one form. Be sure
to cite any sources used in the construction of the map/paper using APA format.
4. Submit your mind map and paper in the
area provided in the discussion forum for peer review.
5. Review the submissions of other class
members. Offer peer review to at least two other members of the class. Select
two who have not received constructive comments on their submissions.
PROJECT ASSESSMENT
|
CATEGORY |
5 POINTS |
4 POINTS |
3 POINTS |
2 POINTS |
|
PROJECT
ORGANIZATION |
Web is easy and links between concepts are clear and well organized |
Somewhat difficult to follow and somewhat lacks clarity and organization |
Very difficult to follow and relationships are very unclear |
No organization |
|
RESOURCES |
Clearly illustrates all of the concepts of brain based learning |
Illustrates most of the concepts of brain based learning. |
Illustrates few of the concepts of brain based learning. |
Illustrates none of the concepts of brain based learning. |
|
WRITTEN REPORT |
Writing indicates an excellent knowledge of the topic, is clearly organized
and has few mechanical errors. |
Writing indicates a good knowledge of the topic, is mostly organized with
limited mechanical errors. |
Writing indicates a limited knowledge of the topic, is not well organized
and has many mechanical errors. |
Writing shows no knowledge of the topic, is poorly organized and has many
mechanical errors. |
|
APPEARANCE |
All project components are neat and legible. |
Most project components are neat and legible. |
Some project components are neat and legible. |
Few project components are neat and legible. |
|
CONTENT |
Information is precise and vital to the concept. All necessary information
is present. |
Information is appropriate to the concept. Most information is present. |
Information is accurate, but somewhat unnecessary to the concept. |
Information is not relevant to the concept. |
|
DESIGN |
Uses font, color and style that enhance the concept. Effectively uses
graphics. |
Uses font, color and style that are appropriate for the concept. Uses
graphics effectively. |
Uses font, color and style that do not distract from the concept. Uses some
graphics. |
Uses font, color and style that distract from information presented and are
not appropriate. |
Title
| Intro |
Syllabus | Bibliography |
Mind Mapping |
Mapping on Web |
Web Resources |
Papers |
Additional Resources |
Unit 3 | Unit
3 Resources | Contact Us