Mind Maps In Inquiry-based Teaching

Thinking Maps, developed by David Hyerle in 1988, make use of eight specific graphic designs each representing a fundamental thinking process. People attach great importance to the application of thinking maps. This thesis aimed at the effect of using Thinking Maps in inquiry teaching.Focusing on this purpose, this research fulfilled the following tasks:Firstly, the paper reviewed teaching theory about Thinking Maps, applying strategies and design of basic problems were discussed. And it also summarized application methods of different sorts of Thinking Maps.Secondly, based on the theory research, the author designed five methods of inquiry teaching based Thinking Maps for tackling existing problems in present inquiry teaching. The characteristics and procedure of each method were discussed.Thirdly, the author carried out instruction module of good health to prove these five methods of inquiry teaching based Thinking Maps. The author evaluated effect of Thinking Maps by analysis of students'works, think-aloud method and questionnaire. After two-week thinking training, the results showed:Thinking Maps can improve the quality of thinking in teaching practice, especially Flow Map and Multi-Flow Map. The Flow Map help students transfer thinking skills of sequencing. The Multi-Flow Map help students transfer thinking skills of consequence.Thinking Maps can help students achieve more efficient learning.Thinking Maps can promote students'ability to solve problem. On the one hand, Thinking Maps support patterning and the networking of information to improve the quality of solving problems. On the other hand, Thinking Maps can make students more confident and give a sense of accomplishment.