Have You Tried The Mind Map Method Of Note Taking?

For students, mind map method of note taking is a powerful approach that shows how different ideas and facts are interlinked. It supports learning, improves information recording, and enhances creative problem-solving. This mind map method of note taking is also known as mind mapping, spider diagrams, concept mapping, and spray diagrams. This method is used when there is no clear view of how the ideas or information fit together. This article includes mind mapping note taking examples, processes, and benefits of the mind map method of note taking.

What Is The Mind Map Method Of Note Taking?

Tony Buzan was an educational consultant and English author who popularised mind mapping, resilient thinking, and mental literacy. The mind map is a two-dimensional structure that is used to take notes instead of the conventional list format. Mind maps allow students to create a visual representation of concepts and ideas with the help of a breaking down of large projects or topics into manageable chunks. so that all the important information gets included. It is similar to being a graphic designer.

Mind maps also allow students to observe infographics in which different ideas and concepts are connected. Thus, they are used to clarify thoughts, simplify complex ideas, determine relationships and memorise information. Therefore, mind maps are great for studying as well as taking notes. Mind maps are also useful during brainstorming and note taking of business plans, and strategy development of complex information.

What Are The Benefits Of Mind Map Method Of Note Taking?

Compared to the conventional technique of taking notes, the mind map technique of taking notes is more consolidated. This helps to generate new ideas, and new information can be easily added. These mind maps are also useful for stimulating information in the brain. Our minds retain infographics, images, and shapes of information or data much more easily. When students create a shape or mind map of information, it is mapped to our memory, and students can recall the complete information by glancing at the mind map.

The following are advantages of using the mind map method of note taking:

• Help students consolidate the facts from different sources.

• Help students summarise the knowledge.

• Help students think through complex concepts and problems.

• Help students study and memorise information.

• Helps students explore and brainstorm any concept, idea, or problem.

• Helps students plan tasks and take study notes.

• It facilitates a better understanding of connections and relationships between concepts and ideas.

• Helps to get inventive and is thus great for boosting creativity.

• It allows students to easily recall information

• Helps in presenting the information.

What Is The Process Of Drawing The Mind Map Method Of Note Taking?

Before understanding the mind map technique of taking notes, let's look at an example. In a tree, branches are connected to a trunk, and small branches are connected to a big branch, and these are further connected to leaves. In the same way, a good mind map has a main topic and subtopics radiating in all directions, like the branches of a tree. All mind maps start with a central concept or idea, and the rest of the map revolves around the central idea. Therefore, choosing the central idea or topic is the first step. Students can use different colours to differentiate the branches and sub-topics. After that, create sub-branches that stem from the main branches to further extend to other concepts and ideas. The following are five steps to constructing a mind mapping note taking template.

Step 1.

Write the main topic, heading, or title of the subject or project at the centre of a page. Students can circle around the title as shown in the image.

Step 2.

Interlink the subheading of a topic, related important facts, or important tasks with the main heading or title as shown in the following image.

Step 3.

To uncover the next level of information, dive deeper into the topic or subject. Interlink the related tasks, subtopics, and concepts as drawn in the image below.

Step 4.

Students can repeat the process again to discover another level of concepts, facts, ideas, and tasks. Interlink them by drawing lines out from the appropriate headings as shown in the following figure.

Step 5.

By doing this and interlinking the facts and concepts, students can discover new ideas and information or can think of further tasks that can be added to their mind map in the appropriate position.

How To Use The Mind Map Method Of Note Taking Effectively?

After understanding the logic behind the mind map method of note taking, students can develop their conventions for taking notes further.

The following suggestions can help students get the most benefit from this method:

• Try to keep things simple and easy. Use uncomplicated phrases or single words. Meaningful phrases or single strong words can convey the same intention more effectively. Extra words just clutter up a mind map.

• Try to use different colours for distinct ideas—different colours can make the mind map more appealing and help to visualise the different sections of the mind map for future recall.

• Try to use images and symbols. They are very helpful for remembering information more effectively than words.

• Use Cross Linkages – these cross-links help to connect different parts of a mind map.

• Although drawing mind maps by hand is suitable in many cases, mind mapping tools, software, and apps can improve the process and produce high-quality mind maps that can be easily edited or redrafted.

By understanding the concept of the mind map method of note taking, students can summarise and consolidate their studies. They can dive deep into the topic or chapter to get an in-depth understanding and command of the concepts, as this method helps them recall the information and facts. Thus, this mind map method of note taking can help students excel in their lives.