MIND MAPPING

Mind Map

A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea.

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture or meeting, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram. A similar concept in the 1970s was "idea sun bursting".

Origins

Diagrams that visually map information using branching and radial maps trace back centuries. These pictorial methods record knowledge and model systems, and a long history in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others. Some of the earliest examples of such graphical records were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century, as he graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle. Philosopher Ramon Llull (1235–1315) also used such techniques.

The semantic network was developed in the late 1950s as a theory to understand human learning and developed further by Allan M. Collins and M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s.

Popularization Of The Term "Mind Map"             

The term "mind map" was first popularized by British popular psychology author and television personality Tony Buzan when BBC TV ran a series hosted by Buzan called Use Your Head. In this show, and companion book series, Buzan enthusiastically promoted his conception of radial tree, diagramming key words in a colorful, radiant, tree-like structure.

Buzan says the idea was inspired by Alfred Korzybski's general semantics as popularized in science fiction novels, such as those of Robert A. Heinlein and A.E. van Vogt. Buzan argues that while "traditional" outlines force readers to scan left to right and top to bottom, readers actually tend to scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion. Buzan also uses popular assumptions about the cerebral hemispheres in order to promote the exclusive use of mind mapping over other forms of note making.

When compared with the concept map (which was developed by learning experts in the 1970s) the structure of a mind map is a similar radial, but is simplified by having one central key word.

(Viewed on 17 May2013 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map)

Mind Mapping is a useful technique that helps to learn more effectively, improves the way that information is recorded, and supports and enhances creative problem solving.

By using Mind Maps, the structure of a subject can be quickly identified. It shows the way that pieces of information fit together, as well as records the raw facts contained in normal notes.

More than this, Mind Maps help to remember information, as is holds them in a format that a mind finds easy to recall and quick to review.

It uses a two-dimensional structure, instead of the list format conventionally used to take notes.

Mind Maps are more compact than conventional notes, often taking up one side of paper. This helps to make associations easily, and generate new ideas. More information can easily be integrated with little disruption.

Mind Mapping helps to break large projects or topics down into manageable chunks, so that plan can be done effectively without getting overwhelmed and without forgetting something important.

A good Mind Map shows the "shape" of the subject, the relative importance of individual points, and the way in which facts relate to one another. This means that they're very quick to review, as an individual can often refresh information in his mind just by glancing at one. In this way, they can be effective mnemonics - remembering the shape and structure of a Mind Map can give the cues needed to remember the information within it.

When created using colors and images or drawings, a Mind Map can even resemble a work of art!

Uses

Mind Maps are useful for:

• Brainstorming - individually, and as a group.
• Summarizing information, and note taking.
• Consolidating information from different research sources.
• Thinking through complex problems.
• Presenting information in a format that shows the overall structure of your subject.
• Studying and memorizing information.

Using Mind Maps Effectively

·         Use Single Words or Simple Phrases – Many words in normal writing are padding, as they ensure that facts are conveyed in the correct context, and in a format that is pleasant to read.
In Mind Maps, single strong words and short, meaningful phrases can convey the same meaning more potently. Excess words just clutter the Mind Map.

·         Print Words – Joined up or indistinct writing is more difficult to read. 

·         Use Color to Separate Different Ideas – This helps to separate ideas where necessary. It also helps to visualize the Mind Map for recall. Color can help to show the organization of the subject.

·         Use Symbols and Images – Pictures can help to remember information more effectively than words, so, where a symbol or picture means something , use it.

·         Using Cross-Linkages – Information in one part of a Mind Map may relate to another part. Here lines can be drawn to show the cross-linkages. This helps  to see how one part of the subject affects another.

Key Points

Mind Mapping is an extremely effective method of taking notes. Not only do Mind Maps show facts, they also show the overall structure of a subject and the relative importance of individual parts of it. They help to associate ideas, think creatively, and make connections that might not otherwise happen.

(Viewed on 17 May2013 http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm)