Mind Mapping

Create the map of your mind

A mind map is a useful way of storing and/or sharing information, as it creates a visual representation of a subject and its sub topics.

The process of working out how to structure and create a mind map can also be beneficial to the author in terms of helping them to remember more about the topic that they are writing about, as well as clearly sharing information with those who read the mind map.

The mind map works by placing the topic at the centre. Coming out of this are several branches, each of which represents a major sub-topic.

Each sub topic in turn then branches out into the sub-topics under that. As such you can clearly follow a path from the centre through to the extremity and logically go through several subject, topic, sub-topic levels, and even further - depending on how detailed the mind-map is.

They make excellent revision aids as you can see a summary of a topic clearly and succinctly on one page without having paragraphs of dense text and revision notes to wade through. So how to create them?

Creating a mind map first requires you to do some brainstorming through assocation. Write down the major topic that you are discussing first. Let's use an example to add some substance to this.

Imagine you are writing a mind map about the periodic table, so write that in the centre.

Then work out the major sub-topics you might want to look into and know about the periodic table. These might include things like Groups, Periods, noble gases, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides, group 1 metals, group 2 metals and so on and so forth.

Each of these becomes a branch coming out from the central topic.

Then under each of these in turn write the key points that you need to know. Thus for a period you might write the word 'horizontal' to remind you that each horizontal line corresponds to a period. For groups you might write 'vertical' and something about the number of electrons in their outer shell. For periods you might jot down something about number of rings of electrons.

Some topics may only have a couple of sub-topics. Others might have more. For instance for group 1 metals you might want to record that they are known as alkali metals and then several characteristics. You might write for instance:

GROUP 1

- Alkali metals
- Silver coloured
- Soft
- Low density
- Very reactive
- One electron in outer shell

At the end of creating your mind map you will have an excellent representation of a topic and its major sub-components which will act as an excellent revision aid or a great way of communicating information.

For this reason mind maps are also common and useful in business to share and explore key concepts and ideas, and it is a valued skill to be able to create a clear and accurate mind map.

Mind Mapping

Author: Dan

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Last Updated: Sep 21st 2006

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