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Concept Mapping / Model Mapping / Mind Maps®

 

Introduction
Resources
Websites
Examples from Project Schools

 


 

Introduction:

A Mind Map® is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain.  Developed by Tony Buzan in the late 1960's it harnesses the full range of cortical skills - word, image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness - in a singe, uniquely powerful manner.

A Mind Map about Mind Mapping can be found below.  It also has reference to some useful texts both for finding out more about the subject of Mind Mapping but also for introducing pupils to the idea:

 

An image that explains Mind Mapping.

 

How to Use Mind Maps®

Mind Maps® are very important techniques for improving the way you take notes.  By using Mind Maps® you show the structure of the subject and linkages between points, as well as the raw facts contained in normal notes.  Mind Maps® hold information in a format that your mind will find easy to remember and quick to review.

Mind Maps® abandon the list format of conventional note taking.  They do this in favour of a two-dimensional structure.  A good Mind Map® show the 'shape' of the subject, the relative importance of individual points and the way in which one fact relates to other.  Mind Maps® are more compact than conventional notes, often taking up one side of paper.  This helps you to make associations easily.  If you find out more information after you have drawn the main Mind Map®, then you can easily integrate it with little disruption.

 

Mind Maps® are also useful for:

  • Summarising information
  • Consolidating information from different research sources
  • Thinking through complex problems, and
  • Presenting information that shows the overall structure of your subject

 

Mind Maps® are also very quick to review, as it is easy to refresh information in your mind just by glancing at one.

Mind Maps® can also be effective mnemonics.  Remembering the shape and structure of a Mind Map® can provide the cues necessary to remember the information within it.  They engage much more of the brain in the process of assimilating and connecting facts than conventional notes.

 

Drawing Basic Mind Maps®

Mind Mapping® (or Concept Mapping) involves writing down a central key idea and thinking up new and related ideas which radiate out from the centre.  By focussing on key ideas written down in your own words, and then looking for branches out and connections between the ideas, you are mapping knowledge in a manner which will help you understand and remember new information.  The most useful way to do a mind map is with the paper in 'landscape' orientation; with the main idea or topic in the middle of the page this gives the maximum space for other ideas to radiate out from the centre.

Use lines, colours, arrows, branches or some other way of showing connections between the ideas generated on your Mind Map®.  These relationships may be important in your understanding new information or in constructing a structured essay plan.  By personalising the map with your own symbols and designs you will be constructing visual and meaningful relationships between ideas, which will assist in your recall, and understanding.

All of these things promote linear thinking and the idea of Mind Mapping® is to think creatively and in a non-linear manner.  There will be plenty of time for modifying the information later on but at this stage it is important to get every possibility into the Mind Map®.  Sometimes it is one of those obscure possibilities that may become the key to your knowledge of a topic.

While drawing Mind Maps® by hand it is appropriate in many cases, software tools like Inspiration and Mind Manager improve the process by helping you to produce high quality Mind Maps, which can easily be edited and redrafted.

A PowerPoint presentation (4MB) used for recent Inset work can be downloaded from here which links Mind Mapping® with Learning Maps.  Please use freely in school!

 


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Resources:

Cohort 2 Resources from Day 4 Training   An image that indicates a pdf file.
Article - Finding the Genius in Every Child   An image that indicates a pdf file.
Liz Lightfoot follows a new approach to teaching and learning
ME - The Big Picture Mind Map
Use of Mind mapping® to develop thinking skills  
  
(24kB) (64kB)
Mind mapping® ideas for Literacy   
 
  
(139kB) (1180kB)
Inspiration 7 User guide An image that indicates a pdf file. (497kB)
Oliver's new book - MapWise

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Websites:

Model Learning website:
http://www.modellearning.com
Tony Buzan's website on Mind Mapping:
http://www.mind-map.com/
Study Aids for Visual Learners
http://carolyn.jlcarroll.net/index.html
How to Mind Map - Peter Russell site
http://www.peterussell.com/mindmaps/HowTo.html
Mind Maps - Dragon Academy
http://www.geocities.com/uk_dbbai/mindmaps.html

 


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Examples submitted by project schools:

What is the best way to revise?
Year 11 PSHE (Marlwood)
PowerPoint Presentation

 

(975kB)
Worship and Buddhism
Year 9 RE (Marlwood)
Publisher document (7796kB)

 

(870kB)
Religion and Science
Year 8 (Marlwood)
(562kB)

 

(644kB)
Islam Religious Studies
GCSE (Marlwood)
(55kB)

 

(80kB)
Celebrating Diversity and Challenging Racism (Marlwood) Publisher document (8987kB)

 

(452kB)
Habitat Picture Mind Map®      (New Siblands) (149kB)

 

(42kB)
Biscuits Mindmap         (Crossways Junior) Inspiration file (664kB) (86kB)

 

Emotional Intelligence Mind Map®  (Baileys Court Primary) (65kB)  

 

Science Topics, Year 6       (WellesleyPrimary) Inspiration file (72kB) (401kB)

 

Whole Class Science Introduction (Plants and Animals)       (WellesleyPrimary)

 

Inspiration file (133kB) (537kB)
Year 3 Science 
(Characteristics of Materials)       (WellesleyPrimary)

 

Inspiration file (278kB) (1424kB)
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