Pixel International Conferences

At present, preparing presentations in foreign languages tends to be an integral part of teaching academic skills both in ESP and CLIL environments. One of the most important tools in achieving successful development of ideas in designing a presentation is through mind-mapping techniques. This method based on psychological theory was developed in 1970s by Tony Buzan, and later investigated by other educational specialists, as a powerful tool for enhancing learning process by building natural connections between different concepts and associations. It enables the students to organize the facts, visualize their ideas and find logical connections between various items. In language learning, mind-mapping technique can be used at lower levels, for example when teaching grammar, or presenting basic vocabulary in different ESP fields, such as physics, geometry, materials. However, it may become a powerful tool in making presentations in more complex Content and Language Integrated Learning, as well as teaching English for specific purposes. A non-linear graphical lay-out is used to create a web of relationships around the central concept, idea or problem. It might be employed in collaborative brainstorming, creative problem-solving, project planning and note-taking. As a result, mind-mapping may be also applied to the design of teaching materials to be used within the classroom, but students can use them also individually, for designing projects and making presentations. This can be pursued through designing slides with mind-maps during the e-learning process, which might boost motivation in the second language acquisition. In this study several examples of using mind-maps in ESP and CLIL environment are presented.

Keywords: mind-mapping, academic language skills, ESP, CLIL, brainstorming, e-learning.

References:

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