MindMapSwitch

After the positive feedback from my previous mind mapping exercise, I wanted to try another mind mapping exercise with my son.

Now that he is 3 years old, he has already decided which toys, stories and games are his favourite. To let him see them all as one, I sat down with him to mind map his favourites. For this exercise I decided on the following topics:

• Colour
• Food
• Animal
• Weather
• Story
• Toy

These topics are everyday things that he knows about.

Starting at the top right, I worked round each branch asking what his favourite was and why. Before I started this exercise, I had a rough idea what each of his favourites would be, but once we completed the mind map, I realised I only got 2 of his favourites right!

   

Click here to download:

Favourites_A_Mind_Mapping_Exer.zip (260 KB)

This is a great exercise to explore what your child likes and their reasons for that favourite, but don't feel you need to stop with your children! Reverse the roles and let your child ask you about your favourites.

Once your done, compare your own mind map with your childs. Let them view the mind maps side by side and ask them if they can spot any favourites that are the same or similar.

If you're not confident in creating your own favourites mind map, you can download the first mind map from this post to use in your own exercise.

Happy mind mapping!

My apologies for the poor quality in the scanned mind maps. I thought I had my scanning process finalised, but it appears something has went wrong when I resized the images. I hope to rectify this soon.

Encouraging your child's imagination and creativity is something that some parents might overlook because the parents themselves don't feel they have imagination and creativity.

This is a simple exercise that anyone can do with their children and the variations on it are only limited by the imagination of your children. Recently Paul Foreman created a mind map for children that asked "What would you do if there was a monster in the bed?".

I said a few weeks ago that I would try this with my own son to see what his reactions would be and to see if how his imagination works. Using the popular theme of monsters in the cupboard, I created a mind map with 4 main branches with each of these main branches having 3 branches of their own.

I left each of the branches blank so that we could simply fill them in during the exercise. I then asked him what he might do if he found a monster in his cupboard. Here's what we came up with:

The great thing about young children is that there are no constraints in the world. Anything is possible. Just by asking my son questions, he was free to think of things he would like to do if he found a monster in the cupboard.

This exercise highlights an important lesson in brainstorming thoughts and ideas in mind mapping, in that anything is possible. If you feel that your yourself don't have the imagination then why not try this mind mapping exercise yourself? You might be surprised just how imaginative you can be.

I've sold the mind mapping idea to a few people over the years, and hopefully more now through MindMapSwitch. However, I've always given different answers as to why mind mapping is great. Is there a common set of reasons as to why mind mapping is so awesome?

Here's my 4 reasons why mind mapping is awesome!

Mind Mapping Is For Everyone

Whenever I introduce someone to mind mapping, the most frequent reason I get for people resisting is this:

"I can't draw."

When I first seen a mind map, I initially thought it was a drawing. Once I read some background material on mind mapping, I started to see that mind maps were not drawings. They were more like a mix of drawing and writing. Not being a skilled artist myself, I initially created my mind maps with keywords only. It's was my first step into mind mapping and I loved the idea that I could create mind maps with basic branches and keywords.

This is why mind mapping is so great! No matter how much you think you can't draw, a mind map can be created from just a few keywords and lines. We can all write, so sticking to keywords and changing colours for different branches is a great way to make your first mind maps really stand out.

Mind Mapping Is Flexible

People quiver when they hear that mind mapping has its own laws. People have visions of their mind maps being burned at the stake for not adhering to the laws. It doesn't sound very flexible does it? What if we used another word instead of laws?

Remember Captain Barbossa's quote from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie when Miss Swan unsuccessfully tried to negotiate her return to shore?

"And thirdly, the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl, Miss Turner"

Right I know I said Miss Swan, and the line from the movie mentions Miss Turner, but you need to watch it to see why! Anyway, it's a great quote that really sums up the laws of mind mapping. When I started mind mapping, I committed to using three of the mind mapping laws:

1. Use a central image
2. Use colours
3. Use 1 keyword per line

As I created more and more mind maps I became more confident in my abilities to encompass the remaining laws into my mind maps. The mind mapping laws are more like guidelines because the laws are there to help you aspire to a certain level in mind mapping. Given time you'll grow from using the basic laws of mind mapping to using all of them.

Mind Mapping Is Re-Useable

I've seen lots of uses for mind mapping over the years. Popular applications of mind mapping include brainstorming, knowledge management, project management and outlining. Not only does it fit these well, but it can also be used for a number of different applications depending on your need. This is largely due to the unique way in which information is presented in a mind map.

Mind maps are organic by nature, with branches that start from the seed, or central theme. This allows us to create a simple one level branch mind map or a detailed mind map with several levels of branches in it. Having such a flexible way of associating branches within a mind map means that we can re-use mind mapping for lots of different applications.

Mind Mapping Is Portable

Anywhere and everywhere. That's the best way to describe how portable mind mapping is.

When the mind mapping concept was first introduced by Tony Buzan, people took up mind mapping using pen and paper. Since then it remains a popular way to mind map despite the number of great software applications on the market. Pen and paper are the basic tools of mind mapping and allows us to produce mind maps far beyond what software can do.

In recent years, we've also seen a steady rise in the number of mobile mind mapping solutions available to people on smart phones. Although not as flexible as pen and paper, mobile solutions are providing a portable way to mind map without tying the mind mapper to a desktop or laptop.

Being so portable means that as a mind mapper, you can draw inspiration from the environment around you when you mind map. Having a place to work is great, but sometimes the great ideas only come from having an inspiring environment around you.

So there you have it, four reasons why mind mapping is awesome. Do you have your reasons why you think mind mapping is awesome? I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

I'm going to let you into a little secret. Mind mapping isn't for everyone. If your a mind mapping fan and think this is a terrible thing to hear then just compose yourself for a minute and listen why.

Mind mapping isn't for everyone because we're not all the same. We're all different. We think different, we act different, we are different. What feels right to one person might not feel right to some one else. The world would be such a dull place if we all liked the same thing! What if your someone who just can't get on the mind mapping train, but you would like to be more visual in your creativity and problem solving?

Don't despair my friend. Instead of trying to make yourself use mind mapping, why not try an awesome alternative?

Awesome Alternative No.1 : Idea Mapping

What is it?

Idea mapping is a form of mind mapping created by mind mapping instructor Jamie Nast. It's a less formal type of mind mapping in that you don't need to apply the mind mapping laws to your mind map. Idea mapping is more about tailoring your mind mapping to the application you wish to use it for.

What's the benefits?

By not applying the mind mapping laws in idea mapping, you are giving yourself a certain amount of freedom that you can't have in mind mapping. For example, mind mapping laws advocate that we only use one keyword per line, where as idea mapping allow us to use one or more keywords per line. The laws of mind mapping define what a mind map is, but idea mapping removes these to give us more freedom.

Who is it for?

I think idea mapping is a great starting point for anyone new to mind mapping as it allows you to gradually start mapping using a less formal set of guidelines. If you get to a point where you feel you want to go further then you could make the jump to mind mapping once you think you're ready.

Awesome Alternative No. 2 : Mind Scaping

What is it?

Mind scaping is a more symbolic version of mind mapping. Where we primarily use branches and keywords  in mind mapping, mind scaping is all about using symbols and visuals to convey information.

Mind scapes typically use a visual metaphor to identify the central topic of a mind scape, but instead of ideas radiating from the central topic, ideas are placed within the visual metaphor. One example of this could be an athletics track as a project life cycle and hurdles drawn around the track to indicate milestones or phases in the project that need to be completed.

What's the benefits?

Being a more visual form of mapping, mind scaping allows your creative side to go completely wild. With more emphasis on visualisation using images and symbols to convey information, mind scaping allows us to visualise the content of the map more clearly.

Who is it for?

Being more visual, mind scaping is definitely more for the budding artist in you. If you feel that mind mapping has no more to offer you and you want to try something new then mind scaping might be just what you're looking for.

Which One Should I Choose Then?

If your new to mind mapping, but think the laws of mind mapping are too restrictive then I would go with idea mapping for a while. Lose the laws and allow yourself some freedom to see what you can do with idea mapping. It's a great first step to make in the world of mind mapping. If your quite a creative person already then I suggest that mind scaping is the one for you.

Mind scaping gives you more freedom to visualise your topic and convey it in a wa y that could be difficult in mind mapping. It's personal choice really, and you'll soon discover what's right for you.

If your looking for other alternatives on mind mapping, then I suggest you check out the Information Tamers mind mapping types page that lists other forms of information maps.

This is the third and final part in a series of posts highlighting how mind mapping can be used in education. In the third and final post of the series, we’re going to look at how mind mapping can be used as part of examinations. Part 2 of the series, “Mind Maps As Learning Aids”, can be found here.

You've been studying away for an exam and now it's come to the the big day. The exam itself. Panic sets in and then you wonder if you have studied enough to remember all those important facts and figures. How can mind mapping help here? You've probably heard of brain dumps before right? 

Well doing brain dumps to mind maps (or mind map dumps),  can help you in different areas of an examination and hopefully help you through to a pass!

Right at the start of the exam, take a few minutes to ascertain what's in the questions for the exam.  What topics are being covered?  Next take a spare sheet of paper or on the back of your question paper,  quickly mind map everything you know about the examination topic.  If you've been using mind maps as study aids, then this should be quite easy. Doing a brain dump to a mind map can help you do the following:

• Boost your confidence - Confirming what you know from your mind map, helps give you a confidence boost before you've even answered a question and lets you start the examination on a positive note.
• Outline essay questions - Using your mind map you can quickly organise facts and ideas for an essay and present them in a logical concise format that is usually demanded by essay questions.
• Problem solving - If you are faced with a problem solving question, you can quickly identify key words in the problem that relate to the topics on your mind map.  From here you should be able to explore different solutions for the problem and then apply the correct one, using the knowledge from your mind map.

You want to get as much information down on paper as possible.  By mind mapping what you can remember, you'll trigger associations between keywords to help you remember more.

This is part 2 in a series of posts highlighting how mind mapping can be used in education. In the second post we're going to look at how mind mapping can be used as a learning aid.  Part 1 of the series, "Mind Maps As Teaching Aids", can be found here.

Mind maps are great for all types of uses, but have you considered it’s use as a learning aid?  Of course by default all mind maps are learning aids, are they not?

A mind maps goal is to convey information in the most simplest and visually appealing way possible.  It is through this conveying of information that we can learn something of a subject or topic.  There are two areas in learning where mind mapping can help: note taking and revision.

Note Taking

Whether your listening or reading, taking notes is a great way to record the information you require instead of simply just trying to remember it! Mind mapping as a note-taking method works well because your concentrating your efforts on noting keywords and ideas, instead of trying to write down whole sentences. 

Mind maps are all about keywords and images, which means that we create a more informative set of notes by simply noting the keywords and linking them using associations.

Revision

When it comes to revision, I always found standard linear notes as chore to use.  By using mind maps you can reduce the amount of time you need for revision.  After taking your notes in the form of a mind map review them frequently for the time immediately after the notes were taken.  In time, you should then be reviewing them less and less frequently.

The Benefits

As a learning aid, mind mapping has 2 key benefits over traditional learning methods.

• Visualisation - Through the use of keywords and imagery, we get a better picture of a subject and it’s key topics.  They also give us the whole picture, so it's easier to get an understanding of a subject when you see how keywords within a subject are associated through mind map branches.
• Enjoyment - By using colour and images, you can create a fun and relaxed environment in which to learn.

Get Learning!

So the next time you have something to learn then why not try using mind mapping?  You’ll enjoy the learning experience in a whole new fun way and you’ll have a deeper, more visual understanding of the subject.

In the next part of the series, we’ll be looking at how mind maps can be used as examination aids.

This is part 1 in a series of posts highlighting how mind mapping can be used in education. In this first post we're going to see how mind mapping can be used as teaching aid.

Trying to capture your students attention and focus? Then why not use mind maps to give them a more visual aid to their learning? By using mind maps, you can capture the interest of your students with something that involves everyone and at the same time conveys information in a more stimulating and short hand medium.

The Same Old Method

The bane of any teachers day is trying to capture the attention and focus of their students. Whether demonstrating mathematical equations or dissecting the plot of a classic novel, teachers often rely on blackboards, whiteboards, and smartboards to explain and educate. More often than not though, the students will be faced with lines and lines of notes put in front of them that they must copy to remember or condense in their own style.

The problem with this is that the students aren't engaged in any way and therefore act like drones, simply scribbling away what they see in front of them. In order to involve the students more and capture their interest, we need to give them a way of communicating their ideas through a medium that is recognisable and easy to read. Enter the mind map!

The Big Picture

Probably the easiest way to start introducing mind mapping as a teaching aid, is to use mind mapping to explain topics and subjects by giving them the big picture. Before a lesson starts, take 5 minutes to quickly mind map out the subject on the board that is going to be covered in the lesson.

If your more prepared and technically able, then you could also use mind mapping software and a projector to show the mind map complete with all the visual aids required like coloured keywords and images. By using this method, you are giving your students a more visual and appealing format that they are more likely to associate with, rather than lines of notes.

At the end of the lesson the mind map could be duplicated to a medium suitable for distribution whether it be simple paper or as a digital file that the students can take away.

Class Mind Mapping

The second method involves the class and is best suited to subjects where students can collaborate on a topic or subject. At the beginning of the lesson, start the mind map with a core topic using an image or keyword. This is the starting point of our mind map. In order to break the students into mind mapping, you might want to take suggestions for the core topic from them.  This gives them a chance to see how mind mapping works.

Next, identify the main topics surrounding the core topic. Add these to your mind map, explaining to the students how these main topics are associated with the core topic. Once the students have an understanding of how the mind map works, ask each student to approach the mind map and add a keyword or image to a main topic of their choice. The only rule is that each student must add something and it must associate with a main topic.

Finally, take a few minutes to discuss with the students what’s been added to the mind map. You can discuss with the students the associations between topics, and the keywords and images they have added to each topic and their reason why. This is almost like a brainstorming session except your not asking the students to generate ideas.  Instead your asking them what they know on the topic. It helps students to re-inforce what they know and find out things that perhaps they should know.

As you can see from these examples, mind mapping is a great way for teachers to interact with their students. Not only does it grab their attention, it encourages participation from your students in a way that you might not have thought possible.

In the next part of the series, we'll be looking at how mind maps can be used as learning aids.