Using Mind Maps

Mind Maps™ and Mind Mapping™ are registered trade marks of the Buzan organisation

Mind Maps are an increasingly popular tool for improving the way we learn and understand. Mind Maps structure information to show the links between concepts and facts. They reflect the processes and structure of the brain and are formatted in a way that makes information easy to remember and accessible.

Note Taking

Mind Maps are an alternative to conventional linear note taking. Note taking is seen as an essential tool for gathering and understanding information. Many students find this quite difficult and may resort to copying. Drawing a mind map requires a student to really get to know a subject, copying is just not possible.

Teaching mind mapping in the classroom is a relatively straight forward exercise provided the rules of mind mapping are clear and rigidly reinforced see How to Mind Map.

How DigitalTools4Learning products can help

• Few teachers would ask a student to do something if they did not already have the definitive answer themselves. Geography Mind Maps can save teachers hours of work.
• Pre-prepared mind maps can be used to demonstrate good practice.
• They can be used as templates for students to add information to and so gain in confidence (see below).
• Use the ready made worksheets – see example.
• The excellent Presentation Mode feature of Mind Manager Software allows topics to be introduced or work to be debriefed (see below).
• Short starters and plenary sessions can be set up, again using the Presentation Mode.
• When A-level essays are set, the relevant mind map can be printed out alongside the usual books, documents and other sources, or can be referenced if they are available on the school computer network. Students may use them to improve their understanding, or as checklists when doing an assignment.
• Give them out as complete sets as revision for individual GCSE or A-level units. Often an entire AS Geography unit can be covered in 4 or 5 mind maps. A2 will generally be more, but is still more manageable than a set of poorly maintained notes.
• As learners become more familiar they will be able to construct their own attractive and clear mind maps. This skill is not easy for some to acquire, especially using pen and paper. Electronic mind mapping is easier with a more attractive end product, particularly for some boys!
• Some learners may become so confident using mind maps that they completely abandon linear note taking, others may use them occasionally.
• Click here for complete topic listings

Screen shots of the Presentation Mode – available with both MindManager ® Software and the Free Viewer