Meaningful Learning and Use of Mind-Map in Geography Subject at Senior High School

Abstract

A mind map is a cognitive scheme visualization tool that can be used in meaningful learning. It can illustrate students’ logical thinking ability and cognitive scheme development. This research studied the efficacy of using mind maps in geography learning for senior high school students. The method used in this research was classroom action research conducted in parallel at eight senior high schools in West Java, Indonesia. A total of 223 students participated in the study. The efficacy of using mind maps in meaningful learning was confirmed by student assessment scores in two learning cycles. The assessment scores can be used as achievement evidence that is equal to other objective test results. In the first learning cycle, the obtained mind map cumulative score was 762.17 points and that for the second cycle was 1,421.72 points, showing a gain difference of 659.55 points. Therefore, the results demonstrate that the use of mind maps improved students’ logical thinking and cognitive schemes. Hence, this technique can be used in meaningful learning processes in the geography subject for senior high school students.