Mindmapping*
(*Mindmapping is a term coined by Tony Buzan)
I have been using mindmapping for various things that
I thought it is time I shared some thoughts and mindmaps here.
Introduction
You draw, write or express your thoughts and ideas in a global, free-flowing,
free-associating and visual manner, rather than in an analytical, linear
manner.
It encourages the use of both the right and the left brain since it combines the analytical, logical and linguistic part of your brain with the images, feelings and musical part of your brain.
General Uses
Mindmapping can be used in many aspects of work and play. It is particularly useful for
- making notes
- preparing assignments
- preparing papers
- planning presentations
- planning and thinking out projects
- preparing speeches
- brainstorming
- exploring ideas in a free-associating manner
- doodling
- taking down minutes of meetings
- thinking
- exploring ideas
- making decisions
Advantages over traditional
methods
Mind-mapping is superior as a note-taking and memory-recall device, compared to the traditional full-sentence technique for some of the following reasons:
- Saving time in recording and later re-reading words (eliminating about 65% of the words)
- Key words are used and the association and connections are precise as well as can be in image form. This translates to more effective and quicker recall. It is possible to mind-map key concepts and terms on 1 to 2 pages for a chapter consisting of between 10 to 20 pages.
- Your creativity and personality is highly involved. This makes your notes very much more personal and valuable than using those made by other people.
- Mind-maps are free-flowing, spontaneous and free-associating. This means that there is less rigidity and “confining” of thoughts compared to the traditional style of taking down notes
- On the whole, the use of mind-maps allows the learning process to be somewhat accelerated. Once the mind-maps are drawn up, the material can be mastered from 2 to 5 times faster, compared to the traditional way of learning from written notes.
How do you mind-map?
- Begin at the centre of the page
with the main topic or idea. Placing the paper in landscape format is recommended.
- Work outwards from the main idea in all directions to produce an image of ideas and sub-topics; that reflects the way you see things in your mind.
- Use key words and images to reinforce concepts and ideas.
- Use 3-dimensional perspective and
colour to create more interest and “drama” in your mind maps.
- Printed, rather than cursive,
words should be used to make the words more distinct and memorable as
images.
- Words are written on the lines and
not at the end of the lines (I break this rule all the time and put my words in bubbles).
- Normally one word is used per line
to make it more concise (I break this rule often as I need to put phrases and sometimes whole sentences for better recall).
- Arrows, colours and designs can be added to show connections and associations.
- Make use of personal short-forms,
codes and symbols for fun and effectiveness.
- Be creative, original and have
fun.
Examples of Mindmaps
1. This is a mindmap of mindmapping.
2. This is a mindmap of the Dr. Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences
(now 9 have been identified)
3. This is a mindmap of the SQ3R method of studying
(Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review technique)
4. This is a mindmap of a chapter from a Strategic Management book.
The chapter consists of 20 pages.
his mindmap was done just for fun on an A3 size sheet of paper.
It has too many words and would be more useful
if broken down into many more mindmaps.
5. This is a mindmap about the different ways in which a person learns.
It is based on the book "Power Learning" by Gwen Gawith (1995)
6 This is a mindmap on the benefits of having a personal time table
as well as what should be considered in doing one.
