Mind Mapping

A practical guide

Aims
To find out how your brain likes to learn
To see how mind maps compare to normal
written notes
To make your first mind map
To show how you can use mind maps

How Mind Maps Are Different To

Traditional Note Taking

Linear Vs Organic
Traditional note taking is done in what we call a
LINEAR fashion, that is, in lines just like these
sentences!
All languages are written in lines. Most, like
ours, are in lines from left to right.

Linear V Organic
Other languages are written in straight lines
from right to left

Linear V Organic
Some are even in vertical lines read from top to
bottom

Linear V Organic
The troubles is, that the brain does not work in
straight lines
The brain works as a series of links,
connections and associations
When you only work in straight lines you not
only fail to make the most of your potential, you
only use half of your brain.

Linear V Organic
Mind maps are mental maps, set up exactly as
your brain is set up, using links, pictures, colour
and associations

Ready?

FRUIT
CLOSE YOUR EYES NOW!

 Our brains work with sensory images with

appropriate links and associations radiating
from them
Our brains use words to trigger these images and
associations

How to Mind Map!

Now its your time to try some mind mapping!

Resources
A3/A4 blank paper
Colours

7 steps to make mind map

1. Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned
sideways (landscape)
-

Freedom to spread out in all directions

2. Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central

idea
-

An image is worth of thousand words and helps

you use your imagination

3. Use COLORS through out

-

Colours are as exciting to your brain as are

images

4. CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the

central IMAGE and connect your second- and
third-level branches to the first and second
levels, etc
-

Our brain works by ASSOCIATION

5. Make your branches CURVED rather than

straight-lined
-

Straight line is boring to your brain

6. Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE

-

Single key words give your Mind Map more

power and flexibility

7. Use IMAGES throughout

How and why you should use

mind mapping

The Benefits of Mind Mapping

Uses the whole
brain

Matches the way in

which the brain learns

The Benefits of Mind Mapping

Creative
allows ideas to develop easier
can easily be added to

Economic
-

saves 90% of the time of writing in

sentences
can be reread very quickly
whole topics on a single page

How can you use Mind Maps?

Note taking
when taking rough notes when the
teacher is talking
when you make neat notes in your book

Creative writing

to develop your ideas before you start

writing

How can you use Mind Maps?

Essays / Reports
Make each branch a separate
paragraph. Plan everything out
before you start

Revision
revise whole topics at once

Giving speeches
use one mind map to give a whole,
wide ranging speech

Mind Map can help you in many

ways

Be more creative
Save time
Solve problems
Concentrate
Organize and clarify your
thinking

Remember better
Study faster and more
efficiently
Make studying a breeze
See the whole picture

Will I remember mind maps?

Not without some effort
Youll remember mind maps if you...
make them

colourful

use pictures whenever you can

review them regularly

The End