Mind Mapping

Description: Mind mapping is a strategy for helping students order and structure their thinking through mentally mapping words or/and concepts. The mind forms associations almost instantaneously and 'mapping' allows students to write ideas quickly, using only words, phrases or drawing images. Mind maps work the way the brain does (non-linear).

Students use images and key words to remember and review ideas related to a single word or concept. Mind maps are quick to make and easy to review due to their visual quality. Mind maps are similar to concept maps, but have only one main concept while concept maps have several.

Targeted Skills: Note taking, pre-writing (brainstorming), identifying key words & main ideas, associating and connecting, problem-solving, planning and preparing for both writing & speaking. Improves organization and develops study skills.

When to use the strategy: Before, during and after reading.

Example: Create a simple mind map with any topic using the following steps:

• Draw a square or circle in the middle of a page

• Inside the square or circle write the name of the topic that you want to mind map.

• As each major idea or theme emerges from your brain draw a line out from the shape.

• Write the name of the major idea on each line focusing on speed rather than neatness /or attention to spelling and mechanics

• As each idea develops, quickly check whether the idea is an extension of an existing idea. If it is, then just continue the line.

• If the idea is a variation of an existing idea then draw a branch off of the central line and label it.

• If the idea is something totally and utterly new, then draw a brand new line from the rectangle in the center of the page.

• Once you have finished generating ideas and constructing the mind map you can start analyzing the information shown on the mind map.

• Look for connections between ideas.  Connections can be shown by labeling the common points with letters, figures or by drawing a curve between two points.

• If the mind map is being used as the basis for a talk or for planning purposes, then each major line radiating from the central rectangle could be labeled numerically to show its sequence.

How to Differentiate or Adapt: A mind map is simple to create and can easily be developed into a sophisticated map or can be kept relatively simple.

• Use single words or simple phrases for information

• Print words

• Use color to separate different ideas

• Use symbols and images to develop ideas

• Use shapes, circles and boundaries to connect information

• Use arrows to show cause and effect

Links to Mind Map Resources Mind Mapping Basic Rules