What makes a good mind map and classroom uses of mind mapping

Hi Group,

Thanks for the informative overview and great examples of mind mapping!

What Makes a Good Mind Map?

As you have illustrated through your examples, good mind maps use linkages to show how the facts/information relate to each other.  The importance of certain points is highlighted through the use of a larger font.  The use of colour and pictures, as well as single words and small phrases are used to aid with future recall as the brain tends to remember keywords and images and not full sentences.

Classroom Uses of Mind Mapping

I have not used mind mapping extensively with my students, but this exercise may have changed my mind.  I envision that mind mapping could be use for a number of things, including:

  • Note Taking – a lecture or class could be organized using a mind map instead of capturing full sentences.  As noted earlier, this approach is more consistent with how the mind works as it remembers key words and images much more easily than it remembers sentences.
  • Planning an Assignment or Presentation – a mind map could be used to capture the steps to be completed from the inception of the assignment to its submission
  • Organizing an Assignment – a mind map could be used to organize research from a number of different sources to identify themes, etc. before the writing process begins
  • Studying – A mind map could be used to capture the “big picture” of a unit.  This could assist the learner in identifying important information on which to focus
  • Assessment – Mind mapping provides students with an alternative method to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular topic.  Certain learning styles might prefer capturing information in this format versus writing a formal report.

Deborah

Posted in: Week 09: Visual-Intensive Learning