MIND MAPPING
Mind mapping is a powerful thinking tool. It is a graphical
technique that mirrors the way the brain works, and was
invented by Tony Buzan. Mind mapping helps to make
thinking visible. Most people make notes using lined paper
and blue or black ink. Making notes more attractive to the
brain by adding color and rhythm can aid the learning
process, and can help to make learning fun. The subject
being studied is crystallized in a central image and the main
theme radiates out from the central image on branches.
Each branch holds a key image or a key word. Details are
then added to the main branches and radiate further out.
• Mind maps have a wide variety of uses, for
example, note taking, revision planning, planning
for writing and problem solving can all be
successfully carried out using the technique. The
colors and the graphics used will help children to
organize their ideas and thoughts. They can be
very simple or, quite detailed depending upon the
age of the children and the complexity of the
subject. Because creating the mind map involves
the use of the left and right brain, remembering the
information becomes easier.
• A mind map is a tool for the brain that
captures the thinking that goes on
inside your head. Mind mapping helps
you think, collect knowledge,
remember and create ideas. Most
likely it will make you a better thinker.
Central theme
• A central theme is placed in the centre of a
blank page. This is the title, the subject, a
problem or just a thought. When thinking of
something images automatically take form in
your head. For example the image of a
“colorful bunch of balloons” when thinking of
“birthday”.
Associations
• From the central theme associations radiate out.
Associations directly from the central theme are
called first level associations. Then second level
associations are created, third level and so on. The
brain thinks by imagination and association. When
associations are created, connections are made.
These connections are essential for remembering
and thinking.
Curved lines
• Associations are often drawn as
curved lines. They are curved rather
than straight, because the brain likes
curves.
Keywords
• Mind maps summarize information.
Instead of sentences, ideally only single
keywords are used. A single word per
association gives more freedom, creativity
and clarity.
Proximity
• The length of a word ideally matches
the length of a curved line. That
causes associated words to be in
close proximity.
7 associations
• A mind map can have many first level
associations, but the mind can only
grasp about a maximum of 7.
Color & images
• The use of color is important in the mind
map. Research shows that people who
use color and images in their imagination,
when they are learning, are better in
remembering than those who don’t.
LET’S TRY IT
MAKING A MIND
MAP!
Portfolio output (sketch pad)
Mind Map
1. Choose a subject or activity that you do well (for example
– Math, basketball, music, painting, cooking, online
games)
2. Make a mind map of the chosen topic, following the
procedure described earlier.
3. Be mindful of the following:
First level association (make at least 4)
Second level association (make at least 3)
Third level association (make at least 2)
