Mind Mapping
A mind map (MM) is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is hierarchical and shows relationships among pieces of the whole. It is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image or an inserted picture or graphic in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. A picture or graphic of the main idea is worth a thousand words. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept which should be presented as eye-catching as possible., and other ideas branch out from those major ideas. MM helps the left and right brain connect by using logical information for the “left” brain and presenting it in a more artistic form for the “right” brain. Together they are stronger in building understanding.
Mind mapping lends itself to be a tool to learn something new as a new subject in school or workflow that needs improvement. As an education tool, it helps us to depart from traditional linear flow of taking page after page of notes. Traditional note taking utilizes outlines for lectures with “A”, “B”, a, b, c (1), and so on. The brain does not really relate well to linear thinking as it tends to jump from one point to another.
Mind mapping should be very personal and visual, graphical and flowing with connectors between ideas or key concepts to show how things are related. It’s best to use one word and avoid phrases to label a key concept for the “parent” branch to the “child” to the “grandchild” and so on. It flows outward from the center or central concept/idea with more and more detail and flows back to the center towards. Use arrows to show connections. Use bold or underlined text and colors to emphasize and organize. The branches from the central theme should be “chapter” headings with sub-branches providing the detail. There is no one, correct way. Do what makes sense to you. Some users prefer capital letters for the key words. MM can be iterative if the topic is complex. After the first try, look at what you have made and see where there are gaps in the information. Add connectors to provide context. Give it a day and then review again.
A well-crafted MM can be more quickly reviewed than pages of notes to remind a student of key concepts when studying for exams. The technique helps us to be more creative, productive, improve memory and comprehension. Because it is so visual it helps people who relate more to that than pages of text. Teens and dyslexics might find MM better for learning and understanding.
Sometimes the hard part is getting started. Besides using an app, you can also just take a piece of paper and some colored markers. Start by putting the main idea in the middle. Then let the ideas or key points flow outward from there. When using MM for brainstorming a new idea, project just let the ideas flow. Don’t hold back. You can clean it up later. This is where a brain dump can get the ideas on paper or screen.
Mind maps can also be drawn by hand, instead of linear “notes” during a lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. Avoid just making line after line of “notes”. Mind maps are a type of spider diagram.
To be most effective it’s better to follow a specific set of guidelines. Mind maps involve much of the brain’s power and enhancers creativity. It also increases metacognition.
Justin Sung (YouTube) suggests the GRINDE method.
Group – organize ideas in groups/boxes/categories
Reflective – how notes look on paper should reflect what is in your mind.
Interconnected – connect ideas, try to make new connections. Think “how does this fit/work?”
Non-verbal – verbal notes are time consuming. Use doodles, arrows, circle, color, make it more free flowing, and reduce the number of words to illustrate the concepts.
Directionality – create not just connections but have a flow. Show cause and effect which illustrates logic. Most MM flow clockwise.
Emphasize – make technique easier because easier techniques focuse on tasks. Focus on main points and make them emphatic with colors, bold statements, and distinctions. Be clear about the connections. What do they mean or say?
Inquiry Method/Model can help with the flow:
Begin by:
Ask a question,
Then gather and organize information,
Next Interpret and Analyze data,
Evaluate and draw conclusions, then,
Show findings
Apps to look at:
Hybrids –
https://www.ayoa.com this is a whiteboard and mind mapping app
https://clickup.com an all-in-one workplace
Pure mind mapping apps –
https://www.mindmeister.com
https://www.thebrain.com very comprehensive
There are many more MM apps just Google mind mapping. Some are simple, free, and easy to use. Other charge a fee or subscription and have a learning curve but offer more collaborative features. You’ll need to try a few to see what works for you. Additional examples of “how to” with MM can be found on YouTube
Tony Busan was the so-called “father” of this technique.
See www.jerrysbrain.com as a good example for using The Brain.
#mindmapping #visual thinkers #left brain #right brain