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 pupil’s 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.