Mind mapping is a graphical way to get your thoughts and ideas out of your head to better understand concepts and ideas. The creative method aids in note taking and organizing thoughts by making a map of ideas.
The concept is widely used in schools and business, and is especially useful for special education students who may have trouble grasping information and concepts presented in text form. Mind Mapping was originated by Tony Buzan as a way of helping people to learn more effectively. Buzan is recognized as the world’s leading authority on using the brain more effectively. A more graphical version of the Venn diagram, Mind Maps are used as an effective and versatile thinking tool.
According to http://www.mindmapping.com/, all mind maps have several things in common.
They are organized. The maps have a central idea in the center, with lines, words, pictures, and color connecting to the central idea. It creates textual ideas into a diagram that helps you remember the information or understand the concept by using the brain’s natural way of working.
With the central idea in the center, the main themes are like branches radiating from the center.
A key word or image is drawn or printed on the branches.
Less important ideas or elements of the idea radiate from a branch.
Branches will meet or intersect with the central idea.
The brain’s information processing system for thoughts and ideas can be represented graphically, with less important parts or thoughts of the main idea radiating from the central theme. Each branch represents an association with the main idea or concept.
Research by Dr. Roger Sperry has shown a part of the cerebral cortex is divided into two major areas that perform tasks related to logic, rhythm, lines, color, lists, daydreaming, numbers, imagination, word, and the ability to see the whole idea. The research indicated the more the various tasks were used together, the better the brain’s performance and enhancement of skills. Mind mapping uses both the left and the right brain, which adds organization and clarity to the thinking process.
According to http://litemind.com, mind mapping helps with analyzing and structuring information and the ability to recall information. The visual tool can be used for note taking, brainstorming, problem solving, memorization, planning, research, consolidating information, presenting information, and increasing creativity.
To draw a mind-map, start in the middle of a blank piece of paper, writing or drawing the idea you want to expand on in the middle.
Develop subtopics, connecting them to the center image or text with a line.
Repeat the process for subtopics, using additional levels of subtopics as needed, branching them from the major subtopic.
To make your mind-map more visual and interesting, use drawings, symbols and colors. There is no need to be an artist to use the mind tool. As long as the images and symbols make sense to the individual, there is no need for perfection.
Short topic labels or pictures work best. Use as many visual cues as you can, varying the size and color of text, the way it is aligned, and color.
A wealth of information on mind mapping is available through the Internet and in books, which provides graphical examples of mind maps, and the way they work. Mind mapping software also is available, but it likely is best to try it using paper, pencil, and colored pencils to learn basic map making.
