What Are Mind Maps?
Mind maps are visual representations of concepts. They begin with the main idea or topic in the middle. Then key words or images radiate outward to increasingly specific examples or tangent ideas.
Why Are Mind Maps Useful?
- Mind maps aid retention and recall. Multiple works discuss the importance of linking new material to existing information to retain and later recall the new material. Since mind maps are personalized and encourage multiple connections, they assist with this process.
- Mind maps also help with higher-order processing. Students can apply key concepts by providing examples, usually at the end of branches. They can analyze and summarize key points. Creating an idea web requires reducing information to a few key words or images. When you trace a branch from the center outward you can reduce a broad topic to a concrete and specific example. Linking branch concepts succinctly ties together elements.
- Students can use mind maps to assemble and create essays. The activity of making multiple connections between similarly themed concepts can suggest different orders for papers and help smooth transitions. Mind maps can also demonstrate areas where more detail is needed or where a student may have a particular interest worth exploring. Thus, idea webs can be used in the brainstorming or revision stages of writing.
Potential Mind Map Challenges
- Some students may have little experience with idea webs. You must take the time to introduce how to create them. Introducing the context, why mind maps are useful, is also important
- Mind maps can be highly personal. Acclimating students to mind maps by describing how they can be created and why they are important is not the only challenge in implementing them in a classroom. Without similar prior knowledge or experiences certain connections may not make sense to other individuals. For this reason I have found it more useful to have students create their own maps rather than lead a discussion around one already created.
- Students may feel uncomfortable with the nonlinear nature of how ideas are presented.. Students may prefer static, limited connections when learning new material. While idea webs ultimately help create order between concepts by demonstrating the links, the free-flow nature can sometimes overwhelm. Reminding students how to read mind maps, from the inside outward, can help. Repeated exposure to idea webs also helps build familiarity, leading to more comfort with their use. Of course, not all tools work for all students.
Many students will benefit from the fact that mind maps present material and connections visually. Mind maps foster connections between concepts and new and learned content. These links can assist with retention and in developing high-order learning.
