A skill for individuals, business, kids, study skills, lesson plans. It’s free.
Mind mapping has numerous applications and is easy to learn. This process is fun, and may completely change the way you plan, brainstorm, take notes, organise events and even strategize a business. Back to childhood – get out your colored pens and pencils ……or if you prefer you can mindmap on the computer with one of the many excellent Mind Mapping software programs
"It's not ways of working that need to become more flexible; it's ways of thinking."
Simon Caulkin
“Whatever the mind of man
can conceive and believe,
it can achieve.” - W. Clement Stone
What is Mind Mapping?
Psychologist and author Tony Buzan developed the Mind Mapping process in the 1970's as a way of improving learning. Although the idea has been around for centuries, Tony Buzan brought it into the 20th Century and it is now extensively used as a sophisticated yet so simple tool. Its sophistication lies in the fact that it utilises our visual sense and at the same time allows the brain to scan the page in a non-linear fashion, compared to the traditional method of reading notes from left to right, top to bottom. The mind map reader can take in a whole concept at once. Mind mapping is now used all over the world - from the boardroom to the classroom – to help with improving performance, efficiency and personal effectiveness.
A Visual Mind Map Sample
It doesn’t matter what the mind map looks like – it has significance for the maker. Sometimes it may be a team of people – so long as they all have a part in the creation, they will understand it and can add to parts with ease. In fact others can quickly get the sense of a mind map, and easily get an understanding and overview of the topic.
This Example of Mind Mapping
- is actually about what a mind map is
Learn How to Mind Map
It won’t take you long to learn, click here for FREE easy instructions. Get out your colored pens, and be prepared for a bit of fun. Once you have learned this simple skill, it is with you forever; you will probably end up with ‘maps’ and creations in all areas of your life wherever you put pen to paper.
Examples of Mind Mapping
If you put it on paper then you can probably mind-map it.
Some examples of mind maps include:-
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Goal setting
• Event planning
• Working with kids
• Note taking
• Study skills mindmap – for studying, revising and memory recall
• Creative writing plan
• Team work
• Brainstorming
• Using a mind map to make lesson notes
• Preparation of a speech or lecture
• Organising information in a logical manner
• Visual thinking
• Clarifying thoughts and ideas
Benefits and Advantages of Mind Mapping
• Save time and energy. You can include information much more quickly with a Mind Map, than with traditional note taking.
• Mind maps work the way the brain works -- which is not in nice neat lines. Rather a mind map is organised or arranged in the same way that your brain organizes information and ideas.
• A Mind Map is quick and easy to read and review. You get an instantaneous overview
• Mind maps are a perfect tool for understanding the inter-relationships between various aspects of a topic, plan or problem
• As mind maps start in the middle of the page rather than top left corner you are able to work in all directions
• Adding missed details is easier. If you have forgotten something, you can just go back and add it. Others can add to your work.
• Enable quick overview of a topic because we are able to summarise information more efficiently than with the traditional note taking methods
• Color and graphics aid memory – compared to traditional notes. The mind remembers words and images, not long sentences., so by simply using word or phrases it is possible to include a large amount information on one page.
• Mind maps allow you make instant associations and links.
• Mind Maps enable individuals, groups and business to organise and prioritise goals
• For memory and recall mind mapping is an excellent tool – you can much more easily carry a picture in your mind than a page of notes
• In a business or group context, min maps are useful for conveying information to others
