snapshot35: Thinking Maps: The 8 ways of thinking

Did you know there are only 8 different types of thinking? Thinking maps were created to give visual depictions to the ways people problem solve and think. Many students are a visual learners and we can project images in their heads right away when presented with a subject. Thinking maps are and alternative method of processing information and creating outputs of that information. Example: If you are told to think of an Elephant, you will instantly begin to picture an Elephant. The same is true if you are told to not think of a Giraffe (You pictured a Giraffe, didn’t you). These thinking maps have a direct link to photo visual literacy as they direct thoughts into images and allow the individual to process the information.

The Circle map:

Defines the context of a subject, the subject is placed in the middle and is surrounded by things that describe the subject within the circle.

The Bubble Map:

Describes attributes or adjectives of subject, each adjective is connected to the subject with a line.

Bubles that are placed closest to the subject can relate more to those that have a stem that is further away from the subject.

The Double Bubble Map:

This map is used to compare and contrast two or more subjects, the two subjects have similarities that connect them. They also have qualities that differ from one another. This map is very similar to Venn diagrams.

The Tree map:

Is used to classify and group information. It takes a subject and breaks it down into smaller sub-categories and groups, like different types of animals.

The Brace map:

Teaches the relationship of a subject broken down into its parts they analyze the relationship of the subject. Brace maps and Tree maps are very similar, in their breaking down of subjects. One is used to show structure and the other is used to show the relationship of somethings parts.

These are good to use when breaking down the parts of an essay, it can be broken down into and introduction, body and conclusion. These can be further broken down into a thesis statement and opening sentence; supporting paragraphs; and restatement of thesis and closing ideas.