term, the schools develop its operational curriculum and then implement it BSNP, 2006:5. The teaching reading of the grade eight Junior High School students is aimed to
develop the students’ competence in functional communication to help them solve the daily problems BSNP, 2006: 124. Therefore, the material of teaching reading includes
short functional texts and short simple essays in the form of procedure, descriptive, recount, narrative and report. In the second semester, when this research is conducted, the
students of Junior High School should able to understand implicit and explicit meaning of short simple essays in the form of recount, narrative and expositions.
2. Mind Mapping a. The Nature of Mind Mapping
Buzan 1990 : 83-84 states that mind mapping is an effective graphical technique which provides universal key to explore the brain potential because it uses ‘cortical skills’
–word, picture, number, logic, rhythm, color and spatial awareness-all are in a unique way. The definition of mind mapping itself, according to Buzan 1993:59 is a powerful
graphic technique providing a universal key to unlocking the potential of the human brain. Mind maps attempt, visually and graphically, to portray a relationship of ideas or
concepts. He describes mind maps as are presentation of cognition and comprehension in the learner, and as an excellent way to facilitate learners to express themselves both
verbally and visually. Porter and Hernacki 1999:52 states that mind mapping is a technique of
employing the brain by using visual image and other graphics to form a deeper experience. It is an effective and creative way of note taking which helps someone
remember and enables them to arrange fact and mind, so that the natural work of brain is employed. It means that to remember or recall information will be easier to do than using
traditional technique. In brief, it can be stated that Mind mapping is a technique of conveying the idea
through words or even visual images in a creative way. It helps the students to explore and arrange their brain.
b. The Characteristics of Mind Mapping
The mind map has four essential characteristics as stated below. 1 The subject of attention is crystallized in a central image.
2 The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as branches. 3 Branches comprise a key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of
lesser importance are also represented as branches attached to higher level branches. 4 The branches form a connected nodal structure. Buzan, 1993: 59
Figure 2: mind map taken from the buzan study skills handbook, page 183
c. The Advantages of Using Mind Mapping
According to Buzan 1993:90, there are some advantages of using mind mapping. 1 Time saved by noting and reading only relevant words.
2 Concentration on real issues which are enhanced. 3 Essential key words which made more easily discernible, and juxtaposed in time and
space, so that they improve the creativity and recall. 4 Clear and appropriate associations made between key words.
5 The brain finds it easier to accept and remember visually stimulating, multi-colored and multidimensional mind map.
6 It encourages a continuous and potentially endless flow of thought. 7 It works in harmony with the brains’ natural desire for completion or wholeness.
