MIND MAPS HOW TO MAKE & USE THEM

Why to use Mind Maps? MMs provide an alternative to linear notes MMs support memory processes and synthesize thinking MMs help designate what is important MMs are distinctive, individual MMs help find logical connections MMs’ creator is actively involved MMs are fun (students learn better)

What can we use MMs for? Topic survey (before writing an essay) Vocabulary list (a concept map) Presentation Taking notes (requires some experience) Revision for a topic (a reconstruction of the map and a comparison with the original one) Project planning Team discussion of the topic

STEP 1 Start with the topic Put it in the centre of your sheet Use a picture to illustrate the topic How to make a MM…

STEP 2 Add the subtopics Use BLOCK LETTERS to label branches Use a different colour for each branch The degree of each branch should not exceed 45° How to make a MM…

STEP 3 Develop further subtopics Add pictures for any subtopic if possible How to make a MM…

No colours No pictures Most common mistakes

Poorly designated central topic Most common mistakes

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level PRACTICE #1 starting with something simple… TOPIC: MY COMENIUS EXPERIENCE Each student creates a MM about their Comenius experience A3 size sheet

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level PRACTICE #2 exploring a topic… TOPIC: RED BLOOD CELLS Each student creates a MM using their knowledge of red blood cells Using a support text, each student adds more information and develops the MM A3 size sheet

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level PRACTICE #3 topic discussion in groups… TOPIC: WHAT HELPS ME TO LEARN In groups of three, students create a MM on the topic In 3 groups combined, each group briefly presents their MM and possibly develops or remakes their MM A1 size sheet

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Further EXAMPLE of USE #1 TOPIC SURVEY Students make a MM on the topic given Students check the structure of the topic Students apply the MM to the structure or basic points of the topic WHO AM I?

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Further EXAMPLE of USE #2 TOPIC DISCUSSION Define the topic Each student makes their own MM (10 min) Short presentation of individual MM in groups (possible follow-up: re-make of an individual MM) Discussion in the group and making of group MM BODY MEMORY

Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Click to edit the outline text format  Second Outline Level Third Outline Level  Fourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level Sixth Outline Level Seventh Outline Level Eighth Outline Level Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles – Second level Third level – Fourth level » Fifth level Further EXAMPLE of USE #3 CONCEPT MAP Each student makes their own concept map The teacher can see the range of vocabulary and fill the gap PLANNING A TRIP (minddraw.com)

INTERNET SOURCES a great archive of MMs and many examples a very inspiring web on MindMaps Google ‘mind maps software’ to check out free software to make MMs

Petr Bek 2013 for learning2live.eu