MIND
MAPPING
1. Mind
Mapping is a technique for noting information that can be used as an
alternative to traditional methods. The
technique has been developed and popularised by Tony Buzan, who has written
several books on the subject.
WHY USE MIND MAPS?
2. Mind
Maps abandon the list structure of conventional note taking in favour of a
pictorial representation. A good mind map shows the 'shape' of the subject, the
relative importance of information and ideas, and the way that information is
inter-related. Typically mind maps are more compact than conventional notes,
often taking up one side of paper. This helps associations to be made easily.
Information that is acquired after the main Mind Map has been drawn can be
easily integrated with minimal disruption.
3. Mind
Maps can be used to summarise information, to consolidate information from
different research sources, to think through complex problems and as a way of
presenting information that shows the overall structure of your subject. Some
possible applications are shown in the Mind Map below.
4. For people who have spatial memories,
Mind Maps can provide effective mnemonics - remembering the shape and structure
of a Mind Map can provide the cues necessary to remember the information
contained within them. Mind Maps engage much more of the brain in the process
of assimilating and connecting facts than conventional notes. Mind Maps are
also very quick to review - it is easy to refresh information in your mind, at
a glance, just before it is needed.
DRAWING MIND MAPS
5. Mind
Maps can be drawn free hand or with computer programs such as Mind
Manager. An example of part of a Mind
Map drawn on a computer is shown below.
6. To show how the Mind Map above was
constructed, we have numbered the order in which lines were drawn.
7. A basic Mind Map is drawn in the
following way:
- Write
the title of the subject in the centre of the page, and draw a circle around
it.
- For
the first main heading of the subject, draw a line out from the circle in any
direction, and write the heading above or below the line.
- For
sub-headings of the main heading, draw lines out from the first line for each
sub- heading, and label each one.
- For
individual facts, draw lines out from the appropriate heading line.
A complete Mind Map may have main
topic lines radiating in all directions, with sub-topics and facts branching
off from these, like branches and twigs from the trunk of a tree. You do not
need to worry about the structure produced - this will evolve of its own
accord. However, there are usually not more than 6 branches emanating from any
particular node.
IMPROVING YOUR MIND MAPS
8. Your
Mind Maps are personal to you. Once you understand how to assemble the basic
structure you can develop your own coding and conventions to take things
further, for example to show linkages between facts. The following suggestions,
however, may help to enhance the effectiveness of your Mind Maps:
- Use single words or simple phrases for information:
the majority of words in normal texts are padding - they ensure that facts
are conveyed in the correct context to another person in a format that is
pleasant to read. In your own Mind Maps single strong words and evocative
phrases can convey the same meaning. Excess words just clutter the Mind
Map, and take time to write down.
- Print words:
joined up or indistinct writing can be more difficult to read and less
attractive to look at.
- Use colour to separate different ideas:
this will help your mind to separate ideas and helps visualisation of the
Mind Map for recall. Colour also helps to show organisation.
- Use symbols and images:
where a symbol means something to you, and conveys more information than
words, use it. Pictures help you to remember information.
- Use shapes, circles and boundaries to connect
information:
these are additional tools to help show the grouping of information.
- Use arrows to show cause and effect
SUMMARY
9. Mind
Maps provide an extremely effective method of taking notes that shows the
structure of a subject and the relative importance of facts and ideas in
addition to the facts themselves. Mind Maps help to associate ideas and make
connections that would otherwise be too unrelated to be linked. If you do any form of research or
note-taking, try experimenting with Mind Maps. You will be surprised by their
effectiveness.