Mind-mapping.

Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a graphical way to arrange a topic onto a piece of paper.  Visually, it looks very much like a stylized spider-diagram', but contains much more thought and care in it's spatial arrangement.Mind mapping is a visual form of note taking that offers an overview of a topic and its complex information, allowing students to comprehend, create new ideas and build connections.

Through the use of colors, images and words, mind mapping encourages students to begin with a central idea and expand outward to more in-depth sub-topics.The Mind Mapping Tool is a designed to help  students organize ideas, as part of studying, conducting research, or brainstorming. It uses a simple interface to create graphical representations of linked information.

What is a mind map?

A Mind Map is similar to a road map to help you on your journey. It will provide an overview or overall picture of a particular subject and help you plan your route or choices.

The Mind Map stores large amounts of information efficiently.

It helps develop new brain skills, which are often overlooked by traditional teaching methods. A mind map is a visual

representation of hierarchical information that includes a

central idea surrounded by connected branches of

associated topics.

It is perfect for:

• Brainstorming sessions
• Visualizing concepts.
  
• Improving critical thinking
• Improving reading and writing skills
• Advanced research papers or graduate projects

How the brain links in with Mind Mapping

   Mind Mapping uses the whole brain to help generate ideas. The cerebral cortex (cerebrum) of our brain, or 'thinking cap' as it is sometimes called, consists of a left and right side.

The left side of the brain mainly focuses on words, logic, lists, analysis and numbers, whereas the right side of our brain focuses on such areas as rhythm, imagination, color, images, dimension and day dreaming.

How to Mind Map:

To create your first Mind Map, you will need a large white

plain sheet of paper and some colored pens.  There is another electronic mind-map. It is called Free-mind map program.

A Mind Map uses four key characteristics:

1. Central image for the subject.
2. Main themes radiate from the central image.
3. Branches hold the key word/image.
4. Smaller branches form a connected structure.

1. taking notes in meetings;
2. generating ideas and thinking creatively;
3. planning projects, organizing processes, tracking progress;
4. preparing a presentation or essay/report;
5. learning/studying – note taking, review, recall and exam preparation;
6. decision making - prioritizing, clarification e.g. solving problems;

Benefits of Mind Maps

• Help students brainstorm and explore any idea, concept, or problem
• Facilitate better understanding of relationships and connections between ideas and concepts
• Make it easy to communicate new ideas and thought processes
• Allow students to easily recall information
• Help students take notes and plan tasks
• Make it easy to organize ideas and concepts.

• Mind Mapping Strategies for Teachers

• Pr-class:

• Planning:

•  Whether its lesson plans, design of your class curriculum for the school year or planning an assignment timeline, Mind Maps give you a clear and visual overview of what needs to be covered.

• Organizing:

•  If you’re the type of person who regularly jots down ideas and thoughts, Mind Maps are the perfect tool to create structure and organization of a topic.

In-class: