Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the opinions of the teacher candidates about mind mapping technique used in Geography education of undergraduate program. In this study, the qualitative research techniques were used. The study group consists of 55 teacher candidates. The teacher candidates have been asked for their opinions about the process via semi-structured interview form. The interviews have been analyzed using content analysis. According to the findings, the teacher candidates think that mind mapping technique is a thriving one in terms of learning process, student and material design. The theme of this technique in terms of learning consists of the codes as “pave the way for learning, ensure retentive learning, emphasizing the basic concepts, summarizing, organizing, eye-catching, its capability of using a humoristic language, its capability of showing the relations”. The theme in terms of student consists of codes as “improve creativity, improve computer skills, keep away from memorization, improves social relations and improve capacity to render/interpret”. The theme in terms of material consists of codes as “visuality, easiness, practicality, enjoyable, time saving, multimedia, and proper use of computer. In the conclusion of the research it was recommended to inform the teachers and teacher candidates on the technique, extending it by diversifying the practice areas of the technique, and study its usability in other disciplines.

Key words: Geography education, geography teacher candidate, mind maps, geography.