MENTAL MAP AS LEARNING STRATEGIES

"MENTAL MAP AS LEARNING STRATEGIES"

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Mental maps it is a learning technique, whose creativity and dynamism make the habit of studying stop being tedious and boring to become a fun and simple process to execute.
In particular, this tool can be very useful when it comes to storing quite large contents loaded with large blocks of information, because it is to simplify, as much as possible, the content of the subject to be treated, keeping the main ideas and shaping them in a graphical way, through the use of images and figures that allow to give force to the ideas that are wanted to shape and, in addition, allows them to acquire a symbolic character; so, instead of memorizing paragraphs and paragraphs of information, just think of those images that have been used to represent such concepts.

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Characteristics of a Mental Map

• Generally, the central theme is represented by an image located right in the center of the diagram and has a radial organic structure, composed of nodes connected to each other.
• From the central image of the subject radiate the other concepts and ideas in the form of ramifications, in the sense of the needles of the clock.
• Ideas and concepts are represented by images or symbols and keywords. It is very important to use the colors to highlight and accentuate the ideas, in this way we stimulate our brain to create new connections.
• In turn, each of the main ideas is accompanied by an image or keyword located in its associated line.
• The minor ideas within the scheme, correspond to secondary ramifications, which are developed from the main ideas that are directly related to the central theme. The further away a block of ideas from the central axis, the less its meaning is in the diagram.

Use the following mind map to review the concepts learned.

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To build your mind map you will only need one sheet of paper, card stock or the material of your choice; colored pencils; eraser and any other items you wish to add to enhance the visual appearance of the item.

1. Keep in mind that a mind map must comprise as few words as possible, for which it is important to use only words or key phrases, as well as images or figures that help represent each set of ideas.
2. Start by placing the central idea or thematic focus, right in the center of the sheet of paper. Consider that this can be represented either by words or some drawing that refers to the topic to be treated. It is advisable to use an image to represent it and accompany it with a keyword.}
3. Starting from the central idea highlighted in the center of the leaf, develop around it the rest of the ideas related to the theme.
4. To establish a hierarchical order between each of the ideas, develop them in the clockwise direction. Keep in mind that ideas directly linked to the thematic focus will have priority over the others; the more removed an idea of ​​the central theme, the less importance it will have within the scheme.
5. Use lines to establish the relationship between the thematic focus and the rest of the ideas developed from it.
6. You can highlight ideas by enclosing them in a figure, such as ovals or squares, highlighting them with colored pencils, images or any element that allows you to differentiate them from each other and understand the relationship between them; just use your creativity.
7. If one sheet of paper is not enough, glue one or two more sheets and continue to draw your mind map. You can make use of all the space you want, but do not deviate from the objective.

The mental map is a good resource technique for learning, but it is also a good teaching technique, which can be used at different times in the classroom: for anticipation, for building knowledge or for consolidation. It can be processed individually or in groups.

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Teaching mental maps, in children is a very good strategy that allows them to be participative and creative in class, managing to capture their attention and concentration.

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Some examples of mental maps.

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References:
http://tugimnasiacerebral.com/mapas-conceptuales-y-mentales/que-es-un-mapa-mental-caracteristicas-y-como-hacerlos