MIND MAPPING
Have you ever heard of a mind map? Popularized by Tony Buzan, a mind map is a thinking
technique used to visually organize information. It is a creative and logical way of organizing
thoughts and ideas in your mind through a diagram.
A mind map is a tool for the brain that captures the thinking that goes on inside your head. Mind
mapping helps you think, collect knowledge, remember and create ideas. Most likely, it will make
you a better thinker.
A mind map is a diagram for representing tasks, words, concepts, or items linked to and arranged
around a central concept or subject using a non-linear graphical layout that allows the user to build
an intuitive framework around a central concept. A mind map can turn a long list of monotonous
information into a colorful, memorable and highly organized diagram that works in line with your
brain's natural way of doing things.
Mind mapping is a highly effective way of getting information in and out of your brain. Mind
mapping is a creative and logical means of note-taking and note-making that literally "maps out"
your ideas. All mind maps have some things in common. They have a natural organizational
structure that radiates from the center and use lines, symbols, words, color and images according
to simple, brain-friendly concepts. Mind mapping converts a long list of monotonous information
into a colorful, memorable and highly organized diagram that works in line with your brain's natural
way of doing things.
In general, MIND MAPPING is a technique to better organize our thoughts. It uses images, words,
colors to better represent what the mind is thinking (Buzan, 1974). It starts with a main concept
which is usually represented by images and pictures to show connections to the main concept.
Two Types of Mind Maps
1. LIBRARY MAPS – it has a purpose to transfer information and knowledge, store and
recover useful materials and understand information. Topics are represented by sub-
heading or statements which are expanded by information related to the main subject.
2. PRESENTATION MAPS – it revolves around convincing the audience to agree with you. It
wants to argue, inform and call the audience to action. It works for both for left and right
brain because it combines the ability of the brain to use analyses and creativity in
describing the idea.
Since, it requires organization, simplicity and precision of the use of word and picture, the
mind is able to remember and capture without so much difficulty of what is being conveyed
(Farrand, Hussain, and Hennessy, 2002).
Mind maps can be created in many different ways, but they share the same basics.
CENTRAL THEME
A central theme is placed in the center of a blank page. This is the title, the subject, a problem or
just a thought. When thinking of something images automatically take form in your head. For
example the image of a “colorful bunch of balloons” when thinking of “birthday”.
Fig.1 Central theme & image
ASSOCIATIONS
From the central theme, associations radiate out. Associations directly from the central theme are
called first level associations. Then second level associations are created, third level and so on.
The brain thinks by imagination and association. When associations are created, connections are
made. These connections are essential for remembering and thinking.
Fig.2 Central theme & associations
CURVED LINES
Associations are often drawn as curved lines. They are curved rather than straight, because the
brain likes curves.
Fig.3 Curved lines guide the eyes smoothly from one association to the next
KEYWORDS
Mind maps summarize information. Instead of sentences, ideally only single keywords are used. A
single word per association gives more freedom, creativity and clarity. Single keywords are
connected to birthday
Fig.4 Keywords summarise and give clarity
Long sentences that are connected are difficult to read
Fig 5. Sentences are difficult to read and only a very limited number of associations can be
made
PROXIMITY
The length of a word ideally matches the length of a curved line. That causes associated words to
be in close proximity.
Fig.6 Words that are close are connected
Keywords have lines that are too long
7 ASSOCIATIONS
A mind map can have many first level associations, but the mind can only grasp about a maximum
of seven.
Fig.8 A few associations give a clear view (at least 6 general associations)
Fig. 9 Too many lines of associations create chaos
COLOR & IMAGES
The use of color is important in the mind map. Research shows that people who use color and
images in their imagination when they are learning are better in remembering than those who don’t.
Fig.10 In the mind map, images are used like keywords.
HOW TO MAKE A MIND MAP
1. Think of your general main theme and write that down in the center of the page. i.e.
Birthday, Food, etc.
2. Figure out sub-themes of your main concept and draw branches to them from the center,
beginning to look like a spider web i.e. Meats, Dairy, Bread.
3. Make sure to use very short phrases or even single words.
4. Add images to invoke thought or get the message across better.
5. Try to think of at least two main points for each sub-theme you created and create branches
out to those.
A. PRACTICE TASK 1: Boost your Mind Power
DIRECTIONS: In a short size bond paper, create a personal plan to enhance your brain functions
using a mind map. Use the scoring rubric below as your guide.
