What is Mindscaping?

There was a time when doodling or scribbling during a lecture was considered a sign of inattentiveness, and was not encouraged. However, taking notes and summarizing the lesson in the form of images, symbol and phrases can help learning and retention of information. The process of creating such visual maps is known as Mindscaping.

As teachers we can facilitate this skill by developing a common system for the use of colors, images and symbols for the representation of any topics taught, thereby encouraging students to create their own mindscapes.

Introducing Mindscaping in the classroom:

Provide your students with large sheets of papers along with colored markers or crayons. Students are instructed to represent the lesson using simple, identifiable symbols, images or cartoons, instead of writing whole sentences. As an example, you can show them the use of various symbols, images, and arrow marks etc that can be used to represent characters, relationships, connections etc. To bring about uniformity and familiarity the teacher can create and put up a visual board that has different images so that students can use the same to depict the topic in their map.

Teachers should point out the importance of the central theme, topic or character and how to write in the remaining points from lines branching out from the central theme. Points that should be highlighted can be written in bold, with different colors or underlined to state its importance. Additional branches or connections can be drawn in to include additional details. It is important that students are able to find their maps meaningful even after some time, therefore students are instructed to use simple symbols and to add in words if necessary connecting the information to the central topic.

With time and practice students will be able to use mindscaping to create “to- do lists”, plan their learning process, preparing for assignments, book reports, discussions, presentations and also as review material for tests.

Mindscaping ideas:

Here are a few ideas on how you can integrate mindscaping to facilitate the teaching learning process:

Interpret the map: Create a visual map and let your students try to interpret and discuss them. As key points are unfolded, the teacher can explain further or mention additional details thereby making the learning an active process.

Map it together: This can be a group activity or done in pairs. One student should represent the topic on the board, but with instructions from others in their group. Once completed, the remaining students can add in omitted details or correct mistakes if any, thereby enhancing the collective learning of the class.

Quick draw: Test your students’ comprehension by engaging them in a quick draw of the lesson. Students can attempt to represent the key information and its relations/ connections within 2-3 minutes at the end of the class.

Mindscape reports: Encourage students to represent their assignment in the form of a visual map. They can be evaluated for their creativity, content, representation and transparency.

Discuss here: What are some creative ways mindscaping may be used in the classroom?

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