Introduction to mind mapping

▪ Traditional brainstorming
▪ Limitations
▪ Mind mapping
▪ Radiant thinking
▪ What does a mind map look like?
▪ Which mental skills are developed?
▪ Related videos
▪ How to draw a mind map
▪ Creating a group mind map
▪ From group to individual work
▪ Mind map examples
Traditional brainstorming

= A process for generating creative ideas through group discussion.

Everyone thinks aloud and suggests as many ideas as possible:

▪ The idea is to write down everything that comes into your head…

▪ …without any censorship. The point is NOT to analyze, discuss, or criticize.

▪ You can think about it as a kind of group free association!

Limitations

All group members are drawn in the same direction…

… therefore preventing the exploration of multiple chains of associations.

This is reinforced by the linear presentation of standard notes, in which:

➢ A line is skipped after each word/idea…

➢ preventing the brain from making associations…

➢ while giving a false sense of completion.

Mind mapping

= using a diagram to visually organize information (Tony Buzan, 1970’s).

An organizational thinking tool that:

➢ maps out your thoughts

➢ is an expression of radiant thinking

(= associative thought-processes proceeding
from or connected to a central point)

➢ mirrors the neural networks of the brain.

(= reflects externally what goes on internally)
Radiant thinking

Your brain works through activation processes.

 A mind map always radiates from a central word/image.

 Every word/image then becomes in itself a subcentre of association…

… resulting in a potentially infinite chain of branching patterns

The result is a colorful tree-like structure…

… in which the ideas branch out…
…forming a connected nodal structure.
(= organic / atomic model)
What does a mind map look like?

Also look at this mind map about mind maps:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97pGkboT_N8
Which mental skills are developed?
Mind maps stimulate both logic and creativity

Left hemisphere Right hemisphere

Words Rhythm, color

Numbers Shapes, images
Sequence Visualization
Linearity Spatial awareness
Lists Gestalt, 3D
Analysis Imagination

By using all the range of cortical skills, mind maps increase

the probability of recall and enhance memory.
Related Videos

▪ Tony Buzan about the brain (4’04):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXJDJ8rqjLY
▪ Tony Buzan on the benefits of mind mapping (4’51)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHIbriUuNRU
▪ How to draw a mind map (3’59):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnktI4kx6ak
▪ The laws of mind mapping (2’55):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8_H42Z9wxA
▪ Important rules for mind mapping by Tony Buzan (3’20):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Roy4E4ZbE
How to draw a mind map

1) Take a blank sheet in the landscape format.

2) In the center, use a central image to illustrate your essay topic
3) Then use branches of a different color.
4) Use thicker branches at the center.
5) Connect your main branches to sub-branches.
6) Make your branches curve and flow.
7) Use one word per branch.
8) Use images and symbols throughout.
9) Use emphasis (write in big vs. small letters, use bold, 3D, color, etc.)
10) Use numbers, outlines and arrows to connect ideas together.
Creating a group mind map
1) Define the topic.

2) Brainstorm individually.
Each member of the group draws a quick mind map.

3) Discuss in small groups.

Group members exchange their ideas
+ add to their own mind maps the ideas generated by other members.
 Maintain a totally positive and accepting attitude.

4) Create a collective mind map.

All ideas are incorporated into the collective mind map.
From group to individual work

Make sure you have a good idea of all the issues that can be associated to your topic.

Only then can you start identifying:

▪ Which ideas are relevant to your topic.
▪ Which ideas are off-topic and need to be eliminated.
▪ Which issues you want to deal with in your essay.
▪ How you’re going to deal with them.

You can start writing your essay once you have attributed one or more branches of the
group mind map to each member.
Brainstorming mind map
?
?
terms

Essay
topic
4 to 7
Problem?

strengths
Mind map for an essay