Visual learning techniques such as mind mapping are increasingly becoming recognised as a valuable learning tool to support various ages and abilities. Some scientists believing that the mind is divided into left and right hand sides. Others say it is a less organised structure, and that mapping encourages the use of a larger part of the brain. Visual or kinaesthetic (doing) learners particularly benefit from mind mapping. the brain to form new ideas, which can be triggered from existing ones, and also helps people to recall existing memories. Problem solving, decision making and organisation are just some of the areas that can be supported with the method. Since ideas can be drawn in a non-linear format, quick fire and non-restricted brainstorming can be accomplished
Visual learning techniques such as mind mapping are increasingly becoming recognised as a valuable learning tool to support various ages and abilities. Some scientists believing that the mind is divided into left and right hand sides. Others say it is a less organised structure, and that mapping encourages the use of a larger part of the brain. Visual or kinaesthetic (doing) learners particularly benefit from mind mapping.
SEN learners flourish with visual learning
For SEN teachers, mind mapping is a particularly useful technique - because it gives them the chance to see the different way their pupils think.
For example, Debbie Farnfield of the British Dyslexia Association states that dyslexic learners tend to be good conceptual thinkers and are often very creative –but that they are less able to carry out analytical and logical tasks. Dyslexic pupils in particular find mind mapping software an extremely useful too because it allows them to fully formulate their thoughts, according to the Becta report ’Assessing the provision of ICT for Inclusion: Communication and interaction difficulties’.