Mind Map as a Learning Media for Students.

Mind Map as a Learning Media for Students.

resources : downloaded mind map William-Shakespeare-Life-handdrawn-unknown

Nowadays, when we are talking about student phenomena in third world country or maybe for developing country, take for example in Indonesia,  just like where I teach; one thing for sure, they mostly don’t like to write. They refer to the students of course.

Well, they prefer to elaborate their knowledge by reading some articles related to their subject. It does obviously happen to my class. They like to read altogether in one moment with the teacher, they like to have an open discussion and of course, asking back is one of their hobbies.  I like that way of learning but when I ask them to take note or make a report they would refuse to do so. Still as a teacher, I need them to keep what they have learned by far. I hope what we learn today will not easily vanish. 

One answer to that matter, I usually teach them and guide them to make a simple mind map. Only using a mind map, I think it is one of the best ways to record what they have learnt and hope fully it will make them easier when reviewing what they have learnt at school in home individually. 

Basically, there are so many advantages of using mind map in our learning activity. As we know, mind map is similar to a piece of words drawing which consist of related information. I like to say words drawing because; a designed mind map for kid is rather different with formal style mind map for professional businessman.  

Gravity, Colorful and artistic  papers

Mind map for kid, although it is not the important things, they can use some related gravity, picture, font style and of course some colors. Then, it would be more colorful and interesting for kid to read and review from what they have learnt. We know, most children like coloring and drawing. So why don’t we applied what they like, to be inserted in a piece of informative and educative papers. 

Summary from Many Resources

Next, when we learn about certain theme or subjects, it is suggested not only using one or two resources, we should also use many resources from many kinds of media. We can also ask our kids to bring their stuff when they have related matters. So one big problem here, so many resources and of course, it is impossible for us to ask them to provide or even just bring what they have every time we learn that subject. My God, it will be so plenty. Here, on that account, Mind map probably could be the best solution from that answer.

We can summary from all resources we have and gather the information on only a piece of paper. Very effective and efficient, isn’t it?

Elaborated Mind and Thinking Skill

As we know, a mind map is started by a single word or phrase then from that it will flow and stimulate more branches. As a teacher, we should be able to direct and keep focus of what we learn. It is wisely not to generals and also wisely not to have millions notes or word in a single mind map. No one will be able to read and master his mind map easily. So, it is better to make one big mind map and make another mind map to explain more specifically each branches of our mind flow.

Public Speaking Skill

The other advantage of mind map is helping and stimulating the students to be more capable when uttering or explain a particular theme. Yes! They know what they learn and they can describe or tell on their way of presenting. They even don’t have to memorize every sentence by sentence, they can express the concept as they like. And that is the fun thing, could you imagine what will they feel when they are able speak in front of audience?... they fond of this. So, automatically, their public speaking skill will be gradually raise elevated. Besides, the class will not get bored talking on the same matter in a whole lesson hour.

Believe me, it is fun to do with kids, when there is time remain, give them liberty to make their mind make look colorful and beautiful. 

By Mr. J