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Mind Maps - get creative!
Mind maps are a well described method of supporting visual learning. They enable students to structure and classify items and to visualise the relationships between them in an intuitive fashion. Unlike concept maps and association maps, mind maps have a limited specified iconography and the emphasis is on tapping into the creative potential of the mind.
Mind maps structure information, classically moving from a central hub idea through topics and sub-topics to the detail at the periphery. Although frequently described as non-linear, the radiating structure still conveys hierarchical importance, however, the psychology states that the move away from a top down structure frees the mind to generate new ideas, and the method is often used as a means of capturing information from a brainstorming type activity. Information generated in the mind map format can then be synthesised and analysed, again without the constraint of a top down structure in the first instance.
Mind maps tend to have one or more themes, sometimes described as major (the inner topics) and minor (the outer sub-topics). There is an emphasis on the use of colour to deliniate themes, and size of words and thickness of lines also conveys the importance of a particular concept within the overall map. Symbols and drawings are also recommended for mind maps, again to access the more creative areas of the brain at the idea generation stage.
Why mind map?
Mind maps are an area where there has been a significant online presence and it is relatively easy to download mind mapping software from a number of sources. Free mind maps, i mind maps and mind map downloads are available on a range of topics, however the fact remains that the process of mind map development may be even more important than the mind map subsequently produced.
A software mindmap may not always be the best way forward when used for the development process either, as the computer interface may slow the flow of ideas at the mind map generation stage. However a software mindmap will enable students to modify an existing template to develop their own ideas, and may be a good way of introducing them to the processes involved.
Mind map how to - 1
Start with a blank sheet of paper (landscape is usually recommended), and draw a symbol or picture in the middle to represent the idea which will be covered in the mind map.
Mind map how to - 2
Be prepared. When you get started you want to keep going, so make sure you have coloured pens at the ready so that you can change colours with sub-topics, for example.
Mind map how to - 3
Go with the flow. Don't overthink what goes on your mind map. There will be time to revise later if you really think you need to. Unlocking your creative subconcious means that unexpected ideas and connections are likely to pop up. They should be recorded without too much analysis in the first instance.
Mind map how to - 4
Speed is of the essence! The idea is to tap into your subconcious linkages when developing the mind map initially. Greater detail can be added at a later stage. Again this may be a time when developing a software mindmap will hinder progress, and paper and coloured pens win.
Related Articles
Mind Mapping for Dyslexics - making work more manageable. by Rose Angell
Rose is a member of the Buzan Online team. Buzan Online recently launched the first official mind mapping software, imindmap. The article describes the benefits of mind mapping for dyslexics.
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This website gives an overview of three visual mapping options, concept maps, mind maps, and association maps, to support an understanding of the differences between them, and to help visitors to select the option best suited to their needs.
The author approaches the topic from a secondary science teaching background, coupled with a spell using graphical mapping techniques to support process modelling in a business environment.
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