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Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge”.Knowledge allows you to see things as they are, imagination allows you to see things as they could be!!
Mind Mapping is a creative way of recording ideas that was popularised by the author and psychologist Tony Buzan in the early 1970s. Buzan pointed out that the normal linear methods of taking notes and recording ideas do not make efficient use of the brain’s powers. The Mind Map is a method of recording information or ideas in a dynamic way that mirrors the brain’s processes.
Mind maps are tools which help you to think and learn; a technique for analysing a question and making sure you think of it from different angles. You can use a mind map before you start an essay to help you decide what information you need and where to get it, which is what we are doing today, then you can build on your original map as you find out more and use it as you write the essay to help you to structure it. Your map may help you to see the main sections of your essay and help you decide how to sequence it.
Advantages of mind maps:
clearly define the central idea
let you see clearly the relative importance of each idea.
show you the links among the key ideas more easily.
keep all your basic information on one page.
allow you to add in new information easily
make it easier for you to see information from different viewpoints
highlight complex relationships among ideas
highlight gaps in your knowledge
Mind map techniques:
Put main idea in the centre
Draw branches for each major concept
Use capitals for main concepts, write explanations in lower case
Look for relationships
Use lines, colours, arrows, branches
Include lists, notes if needed
Draw pictures if you like
Draw quickly on unlined paper without pausing, judging or editing
Leave lots of space
What do you already know? Include this.
Annotate with ideas of sources in a different colour
Review the map
- How do the parts fit together?
- Does it all make sense? why, or why not?
- Is there anything missing, unclear, or problematic about it?
- How does it fit with other course material? How does it fit with your personal experience? Are there parts that do not fit? Why not?
- What are the implications of the material?
- Could there be other ways of looking at it?
- What more do you need to find out?
Used to:
Generate ideas
Visualize ideas
Structure ideas
Classify ideas
As an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.
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