Resource 2: How mind maps can help mathematics teachers and pupils

Background information / subject knowledge for teacher

Mind maps can help mathematics teachers to:

  • plan topics and lessons in a way that is logical and systematic;
  • identify and plan activities;
  • introduce new concepts to pupils in interesting ways;
  • promote better understanding of concepts;
  • focus pupils’ attention on key aspects of a topic;
  • help pupils prepare for tests and examinations;
  • organise information that pupils are able to identify and relate to;
  • help find out pupils’ misconceptions;
  • assess pupils’ understanding of concepts and topics;
  • plan extra support for some pupils.

Because concept maps can be drawn by pupils themselves, they are a useful tool for pupil-centred education.

Mind maps can help pupils to:

  • summarise their knowledge of a topic and give an overview;
  • help order topics according to their importance and relevance;
  • link new ideas with previously learned material;
  • show prior knowledge of a topic;
  • reduce doubt so that the pupil knows what to study and what to leave out.

Resource 1: A measurement mind map

Resource 3: Heart rate