(Skkn 2023) the application of mind mapping technique by using digital technology to enhance 10th graders’ speaking skills at dien chau 3 high school

The researcher decided to carry out the topic: “THE APPLICATION OF MIND MAPPING TECHNIQUE BY USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE 10 th GRADERS’ SPEAKING SKILLS AT DIEN CHAU 3 HIGH SCHOOL

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale

As a teacher at High School for many years, the authors have realized that speaking is a very important skill in language learning EFL learners' success in English speaking brings them benefits not solely in their English learning but also

in their lifelong careers In the first place, speaking skill is very important in language classroom now Language learners appreciate the importance of speaking

in learning language process because speaking can help learners to express their thoughts and opinions and to develop their language proficiency According to Lindsay and Knight (2006), We speak for many reasons - to be sociable, because

we want something, because we want other people to do something, to do something for someone else, to respond to someone else, to express our feelings or opinions about something, to exchange information, to refer to an action or event

in the past, present, or future, the possibility of something happening, and so on For numerous EFL learners, English speaking seems to be challenging In the EFL classroom, the students are asked to perform their speaking tasks within a certain length of time Thus, numerous students cannot occasionally accomplish their tasks Theoretically, a mind map is basically a diagram that connects information around a central subject I like to think of it like a tree, although it has more of a radial structure Invented by Buzan (2005:1), mind mapping is a very powerful tool for brainstorming, creative thinking, problem solving, organizing of ideas and of course, note taking Mind mapping as a note taking technique can be used for almost any subject and done in any language By using mind map, we can recall the concept of mapping that we will used to speak

In addition, in the process of teaching, it is easy to see that learners at Dien Chau 3 High School are lacking essential skills in speaking They often produce the speaking at low level and under their teachers' expectation As a result, they encounter a large number of difficulties such as shortage of motivation, limited background knowledge Not only the researcher but also other teachers interviewed can see this pessimistic actual state They agree that majority of students at Dien Chau 3 High School are from the countryside Their students often find it difficult

to have a good environment of English for their poor schooling, especially rarely have chance to practice English with English speaker foreigners They do not have motivation to attempt a lot and become unconfident in speaking lessons owning to

a lack of motivation and environment It has considerably negative impact that has made me interested in for a long time in speaking Thus, I would like to find a technique that helps students to overcome the problem and explore something new that can improve speaking skills for students in my school From my point of view, mind mapping is a very necessary technique and it brings great benefits for the

quality of speaking ability It is an effective way that students can develop their creativity, so that it can improve the speaking skill perfectly

For the above reasons, this study sought to explore if learners can grow out of the aforementioned difficulties by engaging in mind mapping The researcher decided

to carry out the topic: “THE APPLICATION OF MIND MAPPING TECHNIQUE BY USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE 10 th GRADERS’ SPEAKING SKILLS AT DIEN CHAU 3 HIGH SCHOOL”

1.2 Aims of the Research

The purpose of this study is to conduct a study which serves the following aims:

- To enhance students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging students to make connection between different ideas and explore different perspective by using mind mapping

- To develop students’ communication skills by encouraging students to present their ideas in a clear and concise way

- To explore the improvement of students in learning speaking skills after a period

of applying mind map to the learning and teaching process

1.3 Scope of the Study

The research only attempted to discover the issues relating to speaking skills It therefore focused on improving the students' speaking skills through mind maps The skills that were covered in this study, mind mapping is an easy way to place information to brain and take the information out from brain, it is creative and effective way to write and will map your mind by a simple way Mind mapping is good for students, because the more they learn the material, the greater they need

to condense and simplify it in a form that is easy to learn

For the above reasons, this study focused on using mind mapping to improve the speaking skills for 10th graders at High Schools

1.4 Organization of the Study

The study is divided into three parts as follow:

Part 1: Introduction

Introduction presents the basic information including rationale, aims, scope, and

the organization of the study

Part 2: Content

This part provides the theoretical background of the topic with an overview of the speaking skills, definition of mind map and the relevant approaches, studies It also conducts a survey to discover the effect of mind map to enhance students’ ability

in speaking skills The data collected from the survey are quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed In this part, the focus will be on the attitude of students in

mind map This part also illustrates the mind mapping in some lessons in English

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Part 3: Conclusion

The final conclusion is included in this part which reviews the main findings of the study Also some suggestions are given to contribute to the process of teaching speaking skills using mind map In order to convey an overall conclusion of the study, part 3 reveals the answers for the research Limitations of the study and the suggested further studies are also included in this section

PART 2: CONTENT 2.1 Literature Review

2.1.1 Definitions of Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is the concept which identifies an oral or written text, by the psychologist Tony Buzan in 1960s Buzan (2006) claims that, mind mapping is a technique of making outline which is used to represent words, ideas, tasks or another link to an around central key word or ideas In other words, it is a visual technique that helps organize and structure information It involves creating a diagram that represents the relationships between ideas, concepts, and information

It involves creating a diagram that represents the relationship between different ideas, concepts, and information Mind mapping allows users to easily identify and connect ideas, making it an effective tool for brainstorming, note-taking, problem-solving, and planning It works by taking information from several sources and displaying this information as key words in a bright, colorful manner Mind maps have been described as a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items (in different colors, pictures) linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea These tools are simply a way to visualize a concept It is considered

as an aid to studying, organizing, summarizing information and writing It is an extremely effective method of taking notes and it also aids to recall of existing memories

2.1.2 Framework of a Mind Map

In a mind map, the main study topic is drawn at the center with key words branching at divergent pattern These key words correspond to subtopics and then smaller branches project from the subtopics with further details regarding the subject being included in a progressively branching pattern These sub-branches of key words or pictures can be linked together resulting in the integration of different parts of the mind map By undergoing this process, information initially contained within passages of the text become hierarchically organized, with the most general information being presented in the center of the mind map and material of increasing detail being presented at the extremes

Figure 2.1 Basic structure of Mind map

Main topic (Key Idea)

2.1.3 Techniques of Creating a Mind Map

The medium for drawing the mind map is usually colored pens or pencils Students can begin by drawing an image in the center of the paper that reflects the central theme, or topic of the map which is created The central image is placed in the center of the paper which enables students 360 degrees of freedom to develop their mind map In the next step, students can draw main branches with key words extending from this central image The branches show different categories which are considered as being relevant to the content of the key concept of the mind map From these main branches, sub-branches are created The kay point of the mind map is that each of the branches and sub-branches should contain pictures to aid in recalling the information These sub-branches of key words or pictures can be linked together resulting in the integration of different parts of the mind map

Buzan (cited in Elsifa : 2014) argued that, there are 8 techniques in mind mapping, those are:

1 Take a piece of white paper in a landscape position

2 Start by draw a color image in the center of the paper and write the keyword with capital letters

3 Choose a color and draw the main themes of mind map on the thick branches out from the central image

4 Add other branches to make another main theme

5 Make thick and colorful branches around the map

6 Write basic ideas about the keyword and still use the capital letter

7 Add an image to all the main branches to represent each key theme and also use image to visualize every important keyword on your map

8 Let your mind map be as imaginative as possible

2.1.4 The Benefits of Using Mind Map in Teaching English Speaking Skills

Mind maps can be more effective than other brainstorming and linear note-taking methods for a number of reasons:

• It's a graphical tool that can incorporate words, images, numbers, and color, so it can be more memorable and enjoyable to create and review The combination of words and pictures is six times better for remembering information than words alone

• Mind maps link and group concepts together through natural associations This helps generate more ideas, find deeper meaning in your subject, and also prompt you to fill in more or find what you're missing

• A mind map can at once give you an overview of a large subject while also holding large amounts of information

• It's also a very intuitive way to organize your thoughts, since mind maps mimic the way our brains think—bouncing ideas off of each other, rather than thinking linearly

• You can generate ideas very quickly with this technique and are encouraged to explore different creative pathways

DePorter and Hernacki (in Abdurrahman, 2008:172) describe that there are some advantages of using mind mapping technique, they are as follows:

• Flexible

Explaining something can be easy without confusing in add the material based on the mind mapping We can put the label and category of something based on our own opinion anywhere in the mind mapping

• Concentrate on the Topic

Getting the subtopics what we talk about with focus on the main ideas easily Keep focus on the keyword can help us to make it simple and it does not waste the time

• Increasing Comprehension

Using mind mapping technique can make easy in understanding the material Mind mapping is a simple think pattern so it does not make us confuse to understand what we have learned and easy to remember the material

• Enjoyable

Imagination and creativity are unlimited in using mind mapping, so it can be funny

to learn By using pictures and colors, it makes the brain enjoy and excited in thinking something what we want about the material

2.1.5 Digital Technology and Mind Mapping

Basically mind maps are developed through paper and pen Recently, with the development of technology computer versions of mind maps have become popular which also increase learners’ level of interest in creating mind maps Beside the traditional mind map which is developed on paper or board by hand Another one

is digital mind map which is developed on computer, mobile or other electronic devices through appropriate software In contrast to tradition note-making, the software of mind maps can enhance learning and study performance As a learning tool, digital mind mapping software helps learners to express their ideas visually in comparison with traditional mind map It can also transform boring concepts and ideas into colorful, exciting and impressive flowcharts Digital mind mapping is an effective imaginative practice to formulate thoughts and connections Normally, digital mind maps are created in a blank electronic page which has a lot of advantages For instance, it is easier, portable and not limited to the scale of the document, simple to save and share with friends Digital mind map seems to prove its prominence when its software compiles our thoughts and ideas to something

organized and tangible manner which is quite common in the modern world Digital mind map is not only used in education but also in many other fields by doctors, professors, businessmen etc

2.1.6 Different Software Used in Digital Mind Mapping Strategy

Digital mind mapping software is a system of visual learning that allows us to evaluate, synthesize, remember and successfully create fresh ideas It is designed

to reflect the connection between thoughts and ideas graphically Digital mind mapping software is various in types for users to choose Below are some suggestions that people can choose for their work

• XMind

This software is a combined brainstorming and digital mind mapping platform It has the purpose of creating ideas It provides some types such as tree maps, fishbone map, cards, etc This digital mind mapping software which was released

on 2007 for commercial purpose is available in both free and professional versions

• Mindjet

Mindjet is a popular commercial digital mind mapping software first developed by Mike and Bettina Jetter in 1998 It’s headquarter is in the San Fransisco, USA This software allows users to plan, operate and handle the ideas Mindjet provides

us the opportunity to build and operationalize an ambitious system by way of mind modeling, big-data research, and play dynamics It helps us to gather knowledge and insight easily It also enables the users the ability to incorporate knowledge into a single dashboard

high-• Mindmeister

Mindmeister is a platform for the imagining, communication and interpretation of ideas This interactive program provides users with amazing graphic tools for brainstorming, recording, making project schedules, and executing other activities online Mindmeister helps us to communicate and interact in real time with as many people as we want It has an integrated viewing mode to render mind maps interactive slideshows in less time It combines both a community project management framework and an intuitive online mission People can work together

in different ways and in real time solving problems

• Padlet

Padlet is a digital mind mapping software which exchange ideas and allow people

to collaborate It is an easy to read method to create stunning screens, fabrics and web pages It allows users to add content, feedback and make real-time improvements We can add images, letters, web links, videos and music in this software We may choose a designed template or choose a blank template> We can also share our padlet with friends

• Cacoo

Cacoo is a web-based digital mind mapping tool helps to build flowcharts, tables, mind maps and mockups It helps users to add their ideas to pictures, details, comment, or diagrams Some readymade templates are available for users to draw diagrms

• FreeMind:

FreeMind is a free mind mapping software that allows people the opportunity to arrange thoughts on a webpage FreeMind’s features like scads of icons, and color for formatting options, support hyperlinks allow users to bind web pages, and document to a map, and users can export in various formats including HTML, PDF, and JPEG This software provides quicker operation and navigation with its one-click

• Vmindmap

Vmindmap is a web-based mind mapping tool that allows users to create, edit, and share mind maps online It offers a visually appealing interface that allows users to organize their thoughts and ideas in a hierarchical, tree-like structure With Vmindmap, users can easily create new nodes and connect them with lines and arrows to represent relationships between ideas They can also add images, icons, and attachments to nodes to provide additional context and information

One of the key features of Vmindmap is its collaboration capabilities Users can invite others to view and edit their mind maps, making it a useful tool for group projects and brainstorming sessions

Vmindmap offers a free version with basic features, as well as paid plans with more advanced features and storage options It is compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems, making it a flexible tool for users on-the-go

• Canvas

Canvas is a popular graphic design platform that offers a wide range of tools and templates for creating visual content While Canvas does not offer a dedicated mind mapping feature, it does provide templates and design elements that can be used to create mind maps With Canvas, users can create a visual map of their ideas and concepts using various shapes, icons, imagines and text boxes They can

use the drag-and-drop interface to arrange and connect the elements to create a hierarchical structure that represents the relationships between the ideas Canvas also offers a variety of templates These templates provide a starting point for users who are new to mind mapping or want to save time on the design process In addition, Canvas provides a range of collaboration and sharing options that allow users to share their mind maps with others for feedback and collaboration

2.1.7 The Way to Create a Digital Mind Map through Software

Digital mind mapping is considered as a teaching – learning strategy for recording the free flow of ideas and is commonly used to explore the topics It may also be used for the arrangement and aggregation of information on a topic Because digital mind mapping is an imaginative activity Basing on personal interests, resources and projects a mind mapping strategy can be various in term of types There is no one way to construct the digital mind map, so if we use technology to build a diagram, we have to follow a systematic process

Step 1: Start with a blank screen

Step 2: Fill the central idea or theme with the central node Write the brainstorming

theme in the middle

Step 3: Brain sub-ideas or linked ideas, adding them to the screen Write

brainstormed ideas or reflections on branches originating from the middle

Step 4: Draw lines for the association between ideas and sub-ideas Drag and drop

the elements in the diagram to reorganize our thoughts Apply more facts to each sub-ide We can continue to add more information in our digital mind map until we are adequate

Step 5: Use formatting tools to visually coordinate and represent the ideas like

modify colors, shape, size, and add icons and pictures, etc

Figure 2.2 Steps to Create a Digital Mind Map through Software

2.2 Teaching Experience Plan

2.2.1 Aims of the Teaching Experience

Objectives of using digital mind mapping in teaching speaking:

Blank Screen Central Idea/ Theme Add Sub-Ideas/ Linked Ideas

Modify Colors,

Shapes, Sizes, and

Add Icons, Pictures

Add More Information ( If Required)

Association between Ideas and Sub-Ideas

- Enhancing creativity: Digital mind mapping encourages learners to brainstorm and visualize their ideas, leading to the development of creative thinking skills.- Improving organization: Digital mind maps allow learners to structure and organize their ideas effectively, enabling them to present their thoughts coherently when speaking

- Enhancing critical thinking: Mind mapping helps learners to analyze and evaluate information, leading to the development of critical thinking skills, which are essential for effective communication

- Promoting collaboration: Digital mind mapping facilitates collaborative learning, allowing learners to work together and share their ideas, leading to the development of communication and teamwork skills

- Improving memory retention: Digital mind mapping helps learners to retain information more effectively, allowing them to recall key points when speaking

- Developing language proficiency: Digital mind mapping can be used to teach and reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, which are essential for developing language proficiency

- Overall, digital mind mapping is a useful tool for teaching speaking as it helps learners to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, organization, collaboration, memory retention, and language proficiency

2.2.2 Activities with an Application of Mind Mapping Technique by Using Digital Technology

The process of creating digital mind maps:

- Give the instruction to students so that they can take part in making mind mapping products

- Choose a mind mapping software that suits their needs and preferences: Vmindmap, Canvas, MindMeister, XMind, and iMindMap Mindjet, Mindomo, Cacoo, FreeMind…

- Determine the purpose of creating the digital mind map for studying, or organizing information and ideas to enhance speaking skills

- Define the central idea: Start with a central idea or topic and create branches to represent subtopics

- Add keywords and images: Use keywords to represent ideas and concepts, and add images to visually represent them This will help in better retention and understanding

- Use colors and formatting: Use different colors and formatting options to make digital mind maps visually appealing and easy to understand

- Review digital mind map to ensure that it represents your ideas and concepts effectively Refine necessity to make it more concise and understandable

- Export or share, then Ss prepare to represent their products in front of the class

Unit 1: Family Life English 10 Global Success

Lesson: Speaking

Topic: Doing Housework

Aims of the lesson: Help students to use digital mind map prepared at home to support the activities of speaking skills about the reasons why children should or shouldn’t do housework

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, Ss will be able to:

1 Knowledge

- Explain why children should or shouldn’t do housework;

- Discuss and express their opinions about why children should or shouldn’t do the housework

2 Core competence

- Be collaborative and supportive in pair work and team work;

- Develop presentation skills;

- Actively join in class activities;

- Be critical thinking

3 Personal qualities

- Recognize the benefits of doing housework for children;

- Understand why children should or shouldn’t do housework;

STAGES:

Teacher: Set the assignment for groups’ students to prepare the work at home

before going to school

Students: - Study the topic they are going to talk about in the next class: Doing

housework

- Divide the work of preparation in their group

- Draw the digital mind map using the ideas discussed in group

- Take their production to the class and share their presentation

Software: Vmindmap Unit 2: Humans and The Environment English 10 Global Success

Lesson: Speaking

Topic: Living Green

Aims of the lesson: Help students to use digital mind map prepared at home to support the activities of speaking skills about Living Green

- Be collaborative and supportive in pair work and team work;

- Develop presentation skills;

- Actively join in class activities;

- Be critical thinking

3 Personal qualities

- Recognize what activities teenagers should do to live green;

- Be aware of the importance of a green lifestyle

Stages:

Teacher: set the assignment for groups students to prepare the work at home before

going to school

Students: - study the topic they are going to talk about in the next class: Living

green

- Divide the work of preparation in their group

- Draw the digital mind map using the ideas discussed in group

- Take their production to the class and share their presentation

Software: Vmindmap Unit 3: Music English 10 Global Success

Lesson: Speaking

Topic: A TV Music Show

Aims of the lesson: Help students to use digital mind map prepared at home to support the activities of speaking skills about A TV Music Show

By the end of this lesson, Ss will be able to:

1 Knowledge

- Talk about a music show

2 Core competence

- Be collaborative and supportive in pair work and team work;

- Develop presentation skill;

- Actively join in class activities;

- Be creative;

- Be critical in thinking

3 Personal qualities

- Be eager to create a new musical show;

- Be ready to share their ideas with the whole class;

- Be able to self-study

Stages:

Teacher: Set the assignment for groups students to prepare the work at home

before going to school

Students: - Study the topic they are going to talk about in the next class: A TV

Music Show

- Divide the work of preparation in their group

- Draw the digital mind map using the ideas discussed in group

- Take their production to the class and share their presentation

Software: Vmindmap

Software: Canvas

Here is a sample of the lesson plan when using mind mapping technique by digital technology

UNIT 3: MUSIC Lesson 4: Speaking

- Be collaborative and supportive in pair work and team work;

- Develop presentation skill;

- Actively join in class activities;

- Be creative;

- Be critical in thinking

3 Personal qualities

- Be eager to create a new musical show;

- Be ready to share their ideas with the whole class;

- Be able to self-study

II MATERIALS

- Grade 10 textbook, Unit 3, speaking

- Computer connected to the Internet

- Projector/ TV/ pictures and cards/ Link: https://youtu.be/mYTNQhK5Cgk

Assumptions

- Ss may lack ideas to

create a music show

- Ss may lack lexical

items to express their

ideas

- Remind them to use the ideas which they search

on the Internet for homework in the reading lesson and show them some music shows in warm-up activities so that they can recall the names of the shows and their regulations

- Be ready to help them with English terms

Board Plan

Date of teaching

UNIT 3: MUSIC Lesson 3: Speaking

* Warm-up: Video watching

Vocabulary

Task 1: List the factors of a TV music show by using digital mind mapping

Task 2: Read about a TV music show and complete the notes below

Task 3: Work in groups Make up a new music show Use the points in 1 to

organize your ideas

Task 4: Present your show to the whole class Use your ideas in 2 and the

expressions below Vote for the best show

* Homework

III PROCEDURES

Notes:

In each activity, each step will be represented as following:

* Deliver the task

** Implement the task

*** Discuss

**** Giving comments or feedback

on WARM UP

T-S

lesson **** Teacher checks by having some Ss to call out

the answers

Suggested answers: America’s Got Talent, Pop Idol,

Vietnam’s Got Talent, Perfect Edition (Cover Star), X Factor

** Ss do as instructed

*** Ss compare their answers in pairs

**** Teacher checks answers as a class

Key:

1 Name: I know your face

2 People who give their scores: two main judges and

TASK 3

7 mins

- To help Ss

brainstorm

ideas for the

4 What participants have to do: dress up and perform

as famous international or local artists in a live show every week

5 How participants win the show:

– 3 participants with the highest scores after 5 weeks

go to the final night

– TV audiences vote and decide on the winner and two runners-up

- puts Ss into pairs and has each pair choose one of the TV shows or competitions

** Some pairs take turns to come to the front of the class while the rest of the class ask them Yes / No questions to guess their TV show or competition

They can only answer with `Yes' or ‘No’ Each pair has three minutes to answer

**** Teacher gives comments and praises Ss for having exciting questions

TASK 3: WORK IN GROUPS MAKE UP A NEW MUSIC SHOW USE THE POINTS IN 1

TO ORGANISE YOUR IDEAS

* Teacher:

- asks Ss to refer back to their notes in 1;

- puts Ss into groups, and asks them to brainstorm ideas for their new show, using the suggested points

* Teacher:

- has Ss work in the same groups as in 2 in 3 minutes

to prepare for their presentation using the ideas in 2

- reminds them to use the expressions provided in the box and makes sure that each student in the group is responsible for presenting a different aspect of the show

- reminds them to pay attention to body language (smile, make eye contact), speech (speak clearly and not too quickly)

** Some groups talk about their show The rest of the class listen, ask questions at the end of the presentation, and take notes of the things they like or don’t like about the proposed music show

*** Teacher:

- asks Ss to vote for the most interesting show

- gives comments and praise Ss for good effort, interesting ideas and, teamwork

T-S

S-S S-S T-S