Thinking Maps®
Thinking Maps
A Shared Visual Language For Learning
Are you ready to accelerate learning across every class and grade level? Your Thinking Maps journey starts here, with the core Thinking Maps methodology, training and teacher materials.
Case Studies & Testimonials
Building The Foundation
About Thinking Maps
Thinking Maps is a whole-school, brain-based approach to teaching and learning designed to build foundational critical thinking, problem solving, comprehension, and communication skills necessary for academic success. The Maps provide a shared visual “language for learning” for an entire school or district.
- The eight Thinking Maps are a set of eight visual patterns or icons that each represent a specific cognitive process.
- Unlike graphic organizers, which are highly varied and inconsistent, the 8 Thinking Maps are used consistently across all grades and content areas. This ensures that students develop automaticity with the major thought processes by using the Maps to engage the cognitive processes they represent.
- As students build fluency with the Maps, they internalize these cognitive skills and learn how to become better learners, thinkers, and communicators.
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The Building Blocks of Brain-Based LearningExample Applications
Each of the eight Thinking Maps can be used in a variety of ways across all content areas. Here are two examples.
Maximize Academic Gains
Accelerating Learning for Every Student
When used with fidelity, Thinking Maps produces greater than average gains in academic performance in just one to two years. Thinking Maps accelerates academic gains by:
Increasing student ownership of learning
Increasing academic equity by helping students of all backgrounds and ability levels maximize learning
Improving teacher capacity to serve students of all backgrounds
Read the Research:
The Effects of Thinking Maps on Raising Student Achievement
Getting Started
Thinking Maps is not just another product or program. It is a whole-school teaching and learning methodology that supports everything else teachers do. The key to a successful implementation lies with the teacher. That’s why our focus is on building the capacity of teachers to use and apply the Maps in the classroom.
Thinking Maps uses a training model built around Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning, including planning, initial training, follow-up training and ongoing support.
Training Options
Thinking Maps
Steps to a Successful Implementation
- Orientation for school leaders, including development of a plan for implementation
- Training for teacher leaders using the Training of Trainers materials
- Rollout to all teaching staff with A Language for Learning guides for each teacher
- Introduction of Thinking Maps to students in all classes
- Ongoing training and support through the Thinking Maps Learning Community (TMLC)
Virtual Learning
Thinking Maps Learning Community
The Thinking Maps Learning Community (TMLC) is a vital part of your Thinking Maps implementation and your online hub for Map creation, professional learning, planning and inspiration. We created TMLC to maximize student learning, improve teacher productivity and support professional learning communities.
A web-based program that allows users to create Maps, lessons and assessments while enhancing writing skills.
Monitor progress towards school and district learning goals and develop your Thinking Maps Plan of Action.
An expansive collection of 23 video-based Professional Development modules for anytime, anywhere learning.
An ever-growing collection showcasing professionally vetted maps across grade levels and subject areas.
Continue Your Journey
Advanced Training Options
Your initial Thinking Maps Training is just the beginning of your journey! We offer advanced courses to build the capacity of your staff and maximize the impact of Thinking Maps.
Build a data-driven strategic plan to meet the needs of your teachers and students.
Write from the Beginning...and Beyond
Improve writing across the curriculum with brain-based strategies for all writing genres.
Meet the needs of English Learners (ELs) and students with language-based learning differences.