Using Visual Patterns To Facilitate Learning
Using Visual Patterns To Facilitate Learning
Using Visual Patterns To Facilitate Learning
Facilitate Learning
Developed in 1988 by Dr. David Hyerle
8 Maps that are used by teachers and students for reading
comprehension, writing process, problem solving and thinking skills
Each map is based on a cognitive skill such as comparing and
contrasting, sequencing, classifying, and cause-effect reasoning
Can be utilized individually or in various combinations to form a
common visual language for students and teachers at all grade
levels, in all subjects
Used to improve the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics
as well as for problem solving and the development of higher order
thinking skills
Used across the United States as well as Canada, the United
Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia and other
countries
Supported by several published articles and brain research
What are Thinking Maps?
Thinking Maps are a common visual language for learning. They
have a consistent design, but are highly flexible. Each map is based
on a thinking process. With consistent use, the brain develops a
pattern that connects the process to a specific Thinking Map.
Why use Thinking Maps?
Research shows that consistent use of Thinking Maps increases I.Q.
scores, S.A.T. scores, and reading & writing scores. Thinking Maps
help students become independent, reflective, life-long problem
solvers and learners.
What are the eight Thinking Maps?
The eight maps include the Circle Map, Bubble Map, Double Bubble
Map, Tree Map, Brace Map, Flow Map, Multi-Flow Map, and the
Bridge Map.
Students learn more effectively and more efficiently
Objectives are covered in less time with greater
retention
Thought processes are represented similarly
throughout the curricula
Schools also promote integrated thinking and
interdisciplinary learning
Teachers can easily gauge student knowledge prior to
a specific lesson
Student performance can be tracked over time
Students gain effective tools to use across their
academic and working careers
Lifelong thinking tools
Thinking Process: Defining in Context
Design: the topic is in the middle, smaller circle. Everything you know
about the topic is in the larger circle. A box, that may be included,
around the entire map is a Frame of Reference that is used to answer
the question How did I learn this? (The frame of reference can be used
around any of the maps
Common Uses: Brainstorm for writing, used as a starting point during the
prewriting stage, defining words, identifying audience and authors point
of view
Writing Mode: Point of View Essay
Thinking Process: Describing Qualities; Characterization
Key Question: How are you describing this thing? What adjectives
best describe it?
Design: The topic being described is in the center bubble. The outer
bubbles contain adjectives and adjective phrases describing the topic.
Key Question: What are the similar and different qualities of these things?
Design: In the center circles are the words for the two things being
compared and contrasted. In the middle bubbles, use terms to show
similarities. In the outside bubbles, describe the differences. If there are
too many similarities or differences, students should prioritize and keep only
the most important.
Key Question: What are the main ideas, supporting ideas, and
details in information?
Key Question: What are the parts and subparts of this whole physical
object?
Key Words and Phrases: Part of, take apart, show structure
Design: On the line to the left, the name of the whole object is
written. On the lines within the first brace, list the major parts. The
subparts are listed in the next set of braces.
Design: Each stage of the event is in the larger rectangles. The sub-
stages are in smaller rectangles below the larger ones. Not all Flow
Maps will have sub-stages.
Key Question: What are the causes and effects of this event? What might
happen next?
Key Words and Phrases: Causes and effects, discuss consequences, what
would happen if, predict, describe change, identify motives, discuss
strategies
Design: The event is in the center rectangle. On the left side, causes of
the event. On the right side, effects of the event.
Common Uses: Used to show and analyze cause and effect relationships.
It can also be used with only part of the map showing, such as predicting
outcomes.
Key Words and Phrases: Identify the relationship, guess the rule,
interpret symbols
Design: On the far left line, write the relating factor. On the top and
bottom of the bridge, write in the first pair of things that have this
relationship. On the right side of the bridge, write the second pair with
the same relationship. The line of the bridge represents the relating
factor between the pair of things.