Using Mind Maps in Biology Classes
Biology is an interesting subject, but for most students it is difficult, as it contains a huge amount of information and quite complex scientific terminology. How to remember it and then use it successfully? I have been using mind maps in my classes for many years. At first, our students resisted it, did not want to learn something new, but very soon they realized that it is practical and useful to be able to do.
What is a mind map? Mykhailo, a Y10 student, believes that a mind map is a visual tool that is used to organize information in a hierarchical, non-linear way. Laura, also Y10 student, answered the question differently:
Below you can see several examples of mind maps made by our students in biology and anatomy classes.
What are the advantages of mind maps? I asked Laura to write her thoughts. Here is her answer.
– The sequential structure of mind maps helps the brain remember and recall information more easily;
– helps people grasp new concepts and connect concepts;
– makes learning more fun;
– its organized nature helps make complex topics more understandable;
– develops your creativity;
– increases efficiency by speeding up comprehension;
– can be used for brainstorming, note-taking, and diagramming;
– enables effective collaboration;
– forces you to think critically to come up with new solutions;
– helps you solve problems;
– helps you document your thinking patterns.
Are there any disadvantages to using mind maps? Randy, a G9 student, gave the following explanation:
– mind maps can be time-consuming to create, especially if you have a lot of ideas to organize;
– they may not be suitable for all types of brainstorming or planning sessions;
– it can get messy;
– large or complex mind maps can become overwhelming and difficult to navigate, leading to confusion;
– limited space: mind maps on paper or on a board can be limited by their size.
As you can see, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. That is why using mind maps is very effective when studying biology.
