Mind Mapping- An Introduction

I first started using mind mapping the late 70s after
reading a BBC book entitled “Use your Head” by Tony Buzan.
Mind mapping is a technique designed to improve learning by learning in
a way that is more natural for the brain.

Most people, due to education, tend to make
linear notes when studying and reviewing. This form of note taking and review does not take
advantage of the powerful interlinking that takes place within the
brain. Ideas link to other ideas not in a regular linear pattern but
they jump and interlink.

Mind Maps are basically pictures constructed using
keywords. A Mind Map has main topic lines radiating from the central
theme in all directions from the centre. These lines will contain
branches with related ideas. The structure evolves it is not planned.

Mind mapping is not just for note taking and reviewing
it can also be used to generate new ideas. You find that as you start
to interlink ideas new ideas and linkages are revealed that would not
have been possible if you listed the ideas in the traditional way.

Starting With Mind Maps

It is very easy to start all you need is a piece of
paper and a pen. Then:

In the centre you write the topic or subject and
draw a circle around it.
Draw lines from the centre (like spokes on a wheel) and
label these lines with the main subheadings.
For individual facts related to the subheading draw
lines and label them.

As an analogy if you consider a mind map to resemble a
tree then:

trunk= central idea ( the centre )
branch = sub ideas/headings
twigs/smaller branches are ideas related to the sub
idea that themselves have other related ideas or facts.
leaves= individual facts or ideas that don’t lead to
other ideas.

If you are interested in learning more about mind
mapping then Amazon have a good collection of books and software to
help.

mind maps amazon.com

mind maps amazon.co.uk

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