Using MindMeister for Learning and Collaboration in the Classroom

Tool: MindMeister

Language Learning Approaches: Collaborative, Visual Learning, Constructivist Learning Theory. 

 Hello, My Lovely Colleagues 💗

👀What is MindMeister?

MindMeister is an online tool that helps people create mind maps and visual diagrams that organise ideas and connect them in a structured way. It achieves this by allowing users to add and connect nodes representing individual ideas in a virtual workspace. It is great for brainstorming, planning, and working on projects together in real time.

My Experience Using MindMeister

Last Friday, February 7th, my friends and I used Mindmeister to collaborate on a project about Learning Technology in the ELT Classroom. We invited each other via email and worked on the same mind map simultaneously. 

Here's what we found helpful

We could brainstorm ideas together without any confusion.
It helped us visualise our thoughts instead of just writing them in a list.
Everyone had a chance to contribute their ideas.
We could add links, images, and notes to make our mind map more detailed.



Here's an example of what we created:

How I will use MindMeister in My Future Classroom

After trying it out, I see a lot of potential for using MindMeister with my students.

Here's how I plan to use it:

1. Brainstorming for Writing Activities

Before students start a writing task, they can work in small groups using MindMeister to generate ideas.

Example:

Topic: "The Future of Transportation"
Activity: Students create a mind map to brainstorm different types of future transportation, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they might impact the world.
Goals: This will help them organise their ideas before writing their essays.

2. Speaking and Discussion Activities

Students can use MindMeister to prepare for discussions.
Example:

Topic: "Should Schools Ban Mobile Phones?"
Activity: Students list arguments for and against banning phones in school, then use their mind map to guide a class debate.
Goals: This helps them structure their thoughts before speaking.

3. Reading Comprehension

Students can create mind maps to summarise a story or article.
Example:
Text: "A short story or article."
Activity: Students use a mind map to identify the main ideas, characters, and key points.
Goals: This encourages active reading and helps them break down complex texts.

 
4. Vocabulary Building

Instead of just memorising words, students can create word maps to learn vocabulary in a fun way.
Example:
Theme: "Weather"
Activity: Students create a mind map with categories like "Types of Plants."
Goals: This makes vocabulary learning more interactive and memorable.

 

My lovely teachers in Kuwait, DO NOT worry! 

Kuwaiti teachers can integrate MindMaster in English writing classes by having students brainstorm essay topics related to local culture and traditions (e.g., Kuwaiti traditions or historical events such as pear diving, camel riding, desert camping, Eid celebration, and the national day of Kuwait). 

For some schools with reliable internet and computer labs, teachers can guide learners through collaborative mind-mapping activities to make language learning more engaging and interactive. 

Evaluation of MindMeister: Strengths and Weaknesses

After using MindMeister, I took time to evaluate it. Here's my honest opinion:
Pros and Cons of MindMeister

😎Pros: 

• Easy to use and visually appealing.
• Great for teamwork and collaboration. 
• It can be used for different subjects and activities.
• Works on any device with an internet connection.

😅Cons:

• The free version has a limit of three mind maps.
• Needs internet access to work.
• Some students might take time to get used to it.

As you can see in the picture, it is free if you want to get started with mind mapping only, but if you want more features, such as Unlimited mind maps, attachments, Printing mind maps, and much more, you have to Upgrade. 

I have recorded a video to explain how to use MindMeister.

Let me explain to you some easy ways to use MindMeister in class:

1. Show a quick demo, start with simple tasks, and do not forget to ask students to work in groups.

2. Make it simple by using ready-made templates.

3. Give step-by-step instructions (especially for young learners)

4. Set a time limit or let students add ideas at home. 

What approaches to language learning underpin MindMeister? 

Mind mapping supports constructivist learning theory by enabling students to add and combine new information with existing knowledge to foster deep understanding. Furthermore, MindMeister is underpinned by collaborative and visual learning approaches. MindMeister facilitates brainstorming, project planning, problem-solving and note-taking by enabling students to create, share, and work collaboratively on online mindmaps. Visual learning by providing visual diagrams. 

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed using MindMeister; it is a great educational tool. It helps students think creatively, organise their ideas, and work together in a way that traditional note-taking does not allow. While the free version has some limitations, it is still a valuable tool for brainstorming, writing, and discussion activities.

I look forward to using it with my students! 

💁 I highly recommend that teachers try MindMeister in their classrooms. MindMeister makes learning more engaging and interactive, whether you are teaching writing, reading comprehension, or critical thinking. It also encourages collaboration, helping students share and develop their ideas effectively.

😀Tips for teachers: 

Start with a simple brainstorming activity to introduce students to MindMeister. Once they get comfortable, you can use it for group projects, vocabulary mapping, or debate planning. 

😁What about you? Are you thinking of using this tool with your learners in the future?

Write in the comments! I would love to hear your thoughts. 

If you want to give it a try, here's a direct link to MindMeister