Video summary

Part 1: Circle Map - Thinking Maps with Excalidraw in Obsidian

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas and concepts

  • Thinking Maps are described as a visual language made up of eight thinking process maps developed by David Hurley.
  • Each map targets a specific thinking task and can be combined to match the learner’s needs.
  • This video is Part 1 of a series introducing:
    • The eight maps
    • A supporting frame used for self-reflection
  • The focus of Part 1 is the Circle Map, which is used to:
    • Define concepts and context
    • Provide a frame of reference for thinking

Circle Map methodology (instructions-style)

  • Set up the self-reflection frame

    • Draw the frame.
    • Articulate the essential question at the top of the frame (the question you are trying to answer).
    • The speaker notes they will return to the frame in a later video.

  • Create the Circle Map

    • Place the central statement in the center.
    • Add nouns around the central statement to build out concepts and context.

  • Use the map to “improve thinking”

    • The video provides an example of asking: “What skills would you need to focus on?”
    • It then lists fundamental thinking skills, tying them to how thinking maps can support thinking.

  • Link to notes/content (example workflow)

    • The speaker demonstrates using Obsidian integration by adding Obsidian Wiki links around the central statement.
    • This turns the Circle Map into a virtual map of content, usable as a jumping-off point to access further notes and drawings.

Fundamental thinking skills mentioned (as examples)

The video lists core thinking skills, including:

  • Defining context
  • Classifying things
  • Sequencing ideas or activities / timelines
  • Comparing and contrasting ideas and concepts
  • Taking things apart and organizing parts of a whole
  • Seeing analogies
  • Describing and characterizing things
  • Understanding cause and effect relations

Overview of the eight Thinking Maps (and what each is for)

  • Circle Map — Define context (the focus of this video)
  • Bubble Map — Describe attributes
  • Double Bubble Map — Compare and contrast
  • Tree Map — Classify things
  • Brace Map — Describe parts of a whole
  • Flow Map — Think about sequence
  • Multi-Flow Map — Explore cause and effect
  • Bridge Map — See analogies

Tools/work examples mentioned

  • The video gives an example of describing Excalidraw to a friend:
    • Called “ex” (as a short reference)
    • Used to illustrate ideas
    • Tell stories
    • Design solutions
    • Help thinking become more visual
    • Support collaboration via a shared virtual whiteboard
  • It also mentions using Obsidian wiki links with the Circle Map to connect ideas to further content.

Source/speaker list

  • David Hurley — developer of the eight Thinking Maps
  • Video narrator/speaker (no name given in the subtitles) — explains Circle Maps, the self-reflection frame, and the workflow with Excalidraw/Obsidian

Original video