Abstract: This paper is to study how to apply mind map to the teaching of English vocabulary in junior middle school. With the analyses of the problems existing in junior middle school English vocabulary teaching, the author introduces the theory of Mind Map, especially its definition and words & memory. Based on the design of Mind Map, the author presents various activities to activate and consolidate students’ original memory and build up new mnemotechny in the process of vocabulary teaching. Studies show that this new teaching method combines students’ known vocabulary with mind map, enlarging students’ vocabulary size, and meanwhile arousing their interest in English learning. The paper concludes that while utilizing mind map to teach English words, teachers should notice the differences of students’ memory style and focus on the designing of mind map 

Key words: Mind Maps; junior middle school; English vocabulary teaching

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Theoretical Basis .2

2.1 Definition of Mind Map

2.2 Characteristics of Mind Map

2.3 Words and Memory

2.3.1 Words

2.3.2 Memory

3. Problems Existing in English Vocabulary Teaching in Junior Middle School.3

4. Application of Mind Map to English Vocabulary Teaching in Junior Middle School.4

4.1 English Word Map

  4.1.1 Concept 

  4.1.2 Elements 

  4.2 Application of Mind Map to English Vocabulary Teaching in Junior Middle School

  4.2.1 Finding the Keyword 

  4.2.2 Finding the Topic

5. Reflection on the Application.8

 5.1 Benefits

 5.1.1 Arousing Students’ English Learning Interest

5.1.2 Improving Students’ Vocabulary Memory Skills 

5.1.3 Enhancing Students’ Creative Thinking

 5.2 Suggestions

6. Conclusion10

Bibliography.12

Acknowledgments13