Skill FocusMind Mapping

Certificate I Access to Work & TrainingNSWTAFE New England Institute

Today’s Skills & Tools focus is on...

Mind mapping and brainstorming Brainstorming is a technique for recalling what you know

about a topic

Mind mapping can then be used to work out the relationship between those points and ideas. When you set down your ideas visually in this way, you can make connections and develop greater understanding of information.

It is a good way to begin planning for an assignment, essay, research topic or oral presentation.

What is a mind map?

A mind map is a visual tool that can help you to:

clarify your ideas Define your goals spark your creativity renew your sense of purpose rejuvenate your zest for life

Use mind mapping to stimulate and organise your thoughts

Basically, a map is a visual representation of a place, specifying noteworthy elements.

A mind map therefore depicts the contents of your mind.

What are some mind map uses?

You can create a mind map about any number of topics. The possibilities are really limitless!

Mind mapping allows you to articulate your thoughts, put them down on paper, and see how they are interconnected.

What are mind maps supposed to look like?

Your mind map can look like anything you want it to!

Mind maps use words, colours and images to convey meaning. Typically, mind maps start in the centre with the main theme and emanate outwards. Thoughts and

ideas branch outwards from the central point.

But they don't have to be that way, of course. Mind maps are a way of organizing your thoughts.

How to create a mind map There is no “right” or “wrong” way to create a mind

map.

Your mind map will usually reflect your learning style.

Colour is important to show how ideas and research are connected.

Colour also shows the level of importance of ideas.

Do a www.google.com search for mind map images to discover how different and how similar a mind map can be

How to make a mind map

1. Take a large sheet of paper and place it horizontally in front of you.

2. Write the topic you are going to be mapping.3. Draw at least 4 branches radiating outwards from the

topic. You can use a different colour to represent each branch.

4. Write “key topic” words along these branches that represent the central image and the topic you are mapping.

5. Draw additional branches that extend from your main branches. The words on these branches are essentially sub-topics of the words you wrote on your main branches.

6. Keep expanding the Mind Map outwards with additional sub sub-topics / key words and branches.http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mind-map-start-to-finish.jpg

Things to avoid in mind maps

To avoid the Mind Map becoming crowded and particularly if you are using it as a memory aid, it is preferable to have no more than 11 main branches.

Some good resources on mind mapping:

http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=How_to_make_a_mind_map

Watch a video on how to create a mind map:

http://youtu.be/wLWV0XN7K1g

From imindmap software:

http://youtu.be/4wZ5wV5dPZc

NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO USE SOFTWARE TO CREATE MIND MAPS. THIS IS ONLY TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF CREATING A

MIND MAP.

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