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Mind Mapping:

that involves creative thinking.

is an analytical process

Mind Mapping involves the:

• visuals• colour• words• connectors

Creative integration of a combination of…

Mind Mapping can be used to:

1. Take notes in class,2. Study for a test or exam,3. Brainstorm ideas,4. Or make connections

between existing ideas.

All Mind Maps include:1. A central image that represents

the subject being mapped.

2. Main themes that radiate likebranches from that central image.

3. All branches have a key image or key word.

4. All branches have a unifying structure.

5. Effective use of colour.

A. Select a Topic1. Think of a visual that captures the

essence of that topic.2. Place the visual in the centre of the

paper – using colours that will assist you to remember that it is the most important idea.

B. Brainstorm Key Ideas1. Record all the ideas that come to you.2. Select the 5-6 that will be the first levels of

exploration of your main idea.3. Group the remaining ideas into common

categories. Give each category, each ‘level’, a label.

B. Brainstorm Key Ideas4. Locate a picture or symbol that represents

each of the key ideas.5. Position these visuals in a meaningful way.6. Add in relevant key words and then join the

text and visuals with connectors.

B. Brainstorm Key Ideas7. Continue to brainstorm – allowing new

ideas to radiate out from existing ones.8. Repeat the process of adding more visuals,

text, and connectors.9. Continue until you have exhausted the

main topic, the key ideas, the space, the time allotted, and/or your patience.

C. Reflect1. Take time to look over your work as you

complete it.2. Talk over your ideas with a partner or a

small group.3. Think about the journey you took to

conceptualise your key ideas. Have you thoroughly accomplished the task?

Look through Popplet.com at some examples. Notice the following:

1. There is no RIGHT way to create a mind map.

2. These are all very interesting explorations of the main ideas, but they are all VERY different.

3. You MUST use YOUR strengths to successfully communicate your ideas in an organised way.

4. And remember…

A mind map is not a flow

chart

1. Use emphasis

› always use a central image,› use images throughout your Mind Map,› use three or more colours per central image, › use variations of size of printing, line and

image,› use organised spacing,› use appropriate spacing.

2. Use association

› use arrows when you want to make connections within and across the branch pattern,

› you can also use colours to show connections.

3. Be Clear

› try to use only one key word per line,› connect lines to other lines,› make your images’ meaning as clear as

possible,

4. Develop a Personal Style

› remember: we are all astoundingly unique – our maps should reflect the unique networks and patterns of thought in our individual brains

4. Develop a Personal Style

› Remember the 3 A’s:

› ACCEPT – set aside all preconceptions and write whatever comes to mind,

› APPLY – use whatever your imagination comes up with to your advantage, and

› ADAPT – constantly reflect on the success of your map as it develops (i.e. after each draft) and be open to making necessary changes.

5. Break Mental Blocks

› develop a positive mental attitude,› commit yourself to your Mind Map (even the

absurd), › try to use images from the text you are

studying,› Leave room on your map so you can add to it

as new ideas occur to you,› make your Mind Map as beautiful as possible.