Budd (2003) suggests that mind mapping is based on organising information via hierarchies and categories . Categories which are associated with the main central idea are linked with branches outwards from the centre. Lesser categories are linked to the relevant branches (Budd, 2003). This includes words, phrases or pictures.
The online mind mapping application I have found the most effective is www.popplet.com.
Popplet is user friendly. It allows you to draw outwards and around your centre concept. This includes pictures, your own drawings, changing colour, re-sizing the text boxes and is easy to draw lines between different ideas.
- Mind Maps are adaptable. They can be used for note making, essay planning, lectures, exam revision.
- Students can add ideas at any time.
- Very useful tool for condensing a large amount of information.
- Helps focus on the links and relationships between different ideas.
- Able to add pictures, symbols and colour to personalise, which makes things memorable.
I believe that mind mapping is one of the most effective way to help students to note make, revise and plan and I will be using this as a task for students while I plan future lessons.
References
Budd, J. (2004). Mind Maps As Classroom Exercises. The Journal of Economic Education. 35 (1), p2.
