By: J. Peperone APRN, FNP-C
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin
Whether you are a student, a student beyond the classroom or just have an insatiable curiosity for learning, using mind maps will eventually cause a noticeable learning stride. And the key to achieving noticeable learning strides in the world of learning is to implement merely one small change and adapt to it. And while you adapt to this one small learning change, you will soon arrive on the other side of noticeable differences, not initially realizing your arrival because of this subtle, yet unmistakenly change you decided to make. Mind maps may pleasantly surprise you by the small change with the big difference. Because in the end, the small things really are the big things that will set you apart. Here is a brief mind mapping guide for learning faster.
Mind Mapping Note Taking Guide For Faster Learning
Have you ever had the experience of reading an entire chapter or listening to a lecture only to realize that your mind drifted away and you had difficulty recalling even the most basic information? This is because your brain was not actively engaged at that time while you were reading or listening. Research studies prove that when our minds are actively engaged in the learning process, we can remember, recall and understand concepts faster and better. In mind mapping, it is the active participation and engagement of the learner, using both their visual and tactile senses, that makes learning faster and effective by highlighting and organizing important concepts and topics. Because of this, the learner does not become overwhelmed with a myriad of notes with complex concepts.
What is a mind map?
A mind map is a hierarchical diagram used to organize information by showing relationships between ideas and concepts. It is a visual thinking tool that organizes information to better analyze, synthesize, comprehend and recall important information. A mind map is created around one central concept which is usually drawn in the center of a page (however, you can put your central concept anywhere) with important ideas or topics connected directly to the central concept. Ideas and topics related to the central topic will branch out, much like branches on a tree. You can add images and pictures to enhance visual learning- there are no set rules, be creative!
Mind maps increase your focus using creativity
A mind map is structured much like how your brain works in remembering and recalling information. Unlike the traditional methods of learning, mind mapping involves the element of creativity by actively engaging the learner through the visual (the map) and tactile (drawing) senses. And regardless of your preferred learning style, the more actively engaged you are in the topic, the better your ability to retain and comprehend content, which means better grades!
The 80/20 Rule
Mind mapping uses the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, which is the secret to maximizing your productivity to create results. The 80/20 states that 20% of your time will produce 80% of your results. In other words, 80% of your exam success will come from 20% of the work you put in. Mind mapping uses the 80/20 rule by making the central topic the focus of learning with no surplus information to distract from it. And in doing this, it gives the learner an overview of the central topic and allows the learner to explore ideas through subcategories and keywords. Utilizing this 80/20 rule in mind maps will make your learning quicker while yielding higher quality results.
Mind maps Increases your retention using encoding and convergent thinking
Mind mapping uses both encoding and convergent thinking during the learning process. Encoding increases recall by coding information into the brain subconsciously using objects, shapes, pictures, and colors. Convergent thinking focuses on the well-established, correct answer to a problem and therefore, increases retention of information by connecting different ideas together by association. The results of combining encoding with convergent thinking is a better long-term retention of information.
Features of Mind Maps
Adaptability – can be used for lectures, note-making, essay plans etc.
Creativity – can be personalized with pictures, symbols, and colors.
Focus – increases focus by showing relationships between concepts and important ideas, making you more productive because you are not distracted or multi-tasking.
Information – can easily add additional information at a later time.
Organization – condenses large amounts of information.
Practical Uses for Mind Maps
One of the many beauties of mind mapping is flexibility and application in a variety of different settings. Here are a few practical ways you can use mind maps.
Book Reviews – understand and summarize books
Brainstorming – understand concepts and see the “bigger picture”
Notetaking – take notes during meetings or lectures
Problem Solving – analyze different parts of complex problems
Projects/Tasks – organize tasks by importance and see the relationships between
similar tasks
Setting Goals – plan goals by day, months and years easily
Ideas for creating your mind map
Start with the central topic (you can place this anywhere you want, but most start in the center)
Place the central topic within a shape or object of choice
Place ideas in hierarchical order
Place each word or idea on its own line branching from the central topic
Use a different color for each of the main categories emanating from the central topic
Use block letters (capital letters) for keywords to help ideas stand out
Be creative using pictures, art, and colors
Mind Map Software & Apps
Most mind map software and apps are readily available with free basic versions. The free versions are usually sufficient to create mind maps; however, some people prefer upgraded versions with additional features. Almost all mind mapping software allows flexibility to create free-flowing diagrams and charts, such as fishbone, flowcharts, tree charts, Gantt charts and organizational charts. Today, there are many reliable, easy to use mind mapping software available, such as X Mind, MindNode, MindMeister, and SimpleMind. However, explore and experiment with different mind mapping software and apps on the market to decide which one works best for your learning needs.
One of the most precious commodities in learning is our time. And while it may be easier to mindlessly go through your daily traditional routine of note taking, pause and ask yourself, can a mind map for this particular topic be of some benefit to me? After all, we are the only ones that can truly decide whether we become successful or ineffectual when it comes to making the most out of our learning.
Do you have any experience with using mind maps? Do they work well for you? Is there anything you don’t like about them?