Organizing information and concepts through the use of maps or diagrams has are clearly laid out and
out and easily accessible to help in problem solving and for
been a practice among thinkers as early as the third century. Educators, reference and review (MindTools.com).
planners, engineers, and other professionals had been using these pictorial Mind maps are useful during brainstorming sessions, making decisions,
methods throughout the centuries that followed. British psychology author organizing information, simplifying complex ideas, note-taking, and even for
and consultant, Tony Buzan, who also developed the technique in creating personal use.
such map, popularized the use of the phrase "mind map." According to the website www.mindmapping.com, there are five essential
According to Dictionary.com: "A mind map is a diagram used to represent characteristics of mind mapping:
ideas or information branching from a central key word or idea and used as an 1. The center image represents the main idea, subject, or focus.
aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision-making, and writing." 2. The main branches radiate from the central image.
Mind maps are useful visual tools that help in linking together concepts and 3. The branches comprise a key image or word drawn of printed on its line
information in such a way that the inter- connection and interrelation of these 4. Twigs represent the lesser topics.
5. . The branches form a connected nodal structure.
Using Mind Maps Effectively:
Once you understand how to take notes in mind map format, you can now
develop your own rules. The following suggestions can help you draw
impactful mind maps:
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 will help you to separate
ideas where necessary. It also helps you to visualize the mind map for
recall. Color can help to show the organization of the subject.
Use Symbols and Images - Pictures can help you to remember
information more effectively than words, so if a symbol or picture
means something to you, use it. (You can use photo libraries like
iStockPhoto to source images inexpensively.)
Use Cross-Linkages-Information in one part of a mind map may relate
to another part. Here, you can draw lines to show the cross-linkages.
This helps you to see how one part of the subject affects another.
Summarizing the Big Ideas in this Chapter
1. Neuroscientists and psychologists proposed several theories about the brain
and its functions. Sperry expounded the "Split-Brain Theory." He stated that
the brain has two hemispheres, the left and the right hemispheres. Sperry
further proposed that the left brain hemisphere is where analytical and rational
thinking resides, while the right brain hemisphere represented the creative and
synthesizing part. Ned Herrmann theorized that the brain has four parts, after
putting together
2. Sperry's "Split-Brain Theory" and MacLean's "Triune Brain Theory."
3. Herrmann's theory was that the four brain quadrants represent the
dominant characteristics of a person's thinking. He labeled each quadrant as A
for the logical, rational, and analytically dominant thinking person; B for the
organizationally and sequentially dominant thinking person; C for the
emotionally inclined and kinesthetically dominant thinking person; and D for
the instinctive, creative, and synthesizing dominant thinking person. 4
4. Brain dominance leads to thinking preferences that influence and determine
the learning styles of a person.
5. Understanding the brain-dominant characteristic of an individual helps
others to accept and acknowledge the differences between the way people
think and learn.
6. Mind mapping is a technique or tool that organizes and put into contextual
rela- tionships various information, concepts, and ideas. This is often used
effectively in brainstorming, planning, presenting, and even in personal life.
