Cognitive Discourses International Multidisciplinary Journal pISSN 2321-1075 eISSN 2347-5692

Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2013 Retrieved from: http:cdimj.naspublishers.com

Cognitive Discourses International Multidisciplinary Journal pISSN 2321-1075 eISSN 2347-5692
Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2013 Retrieved from: http:cdimj.naspublishers.com

KINDLE STUDENTS’ THINKING THROUGH DIGITAL

MIND MAPPING
Ms. Geeta R Thakur1
A mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of
the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills i.e. word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color and spatial
awareness-in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite
expanses of your brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and
clearer thinking will enhance human performance.
The origin of Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is a creative way of recording ideas that was popularized by the author and Psychologist
Tony Buzan in the early 1970s. Buzan pointed out that the normal linear methods of taking notes and recording
ideas do not make efficient use of the brain’s powers. He is widely credited with coining the term mind map.
Mind maps are a means of organizing information visually, showing how big ideas are made of big pieces,
which in turn are composed of smaller pieces. The famous inventor and artist Leonardo daVinci created
diagrams similar to mind maps hundreds of years ago as a means of organizing information.
Essential characteristics of Mind Map:
 The main topic of the Mind Map is summarised as a central image, word or phrase.

 The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as branches.

 Branches comprise of a key word, image or topic presented on an associated line – they divide

 Out into further higher level sub branches.

 The branches and sub-branches form a connected structure.

To aid the process of memory and recall, a Mind Map makes use of:
 Colour - this is used to differentiate areas of the Mind Map

 Visual images - these are used throughout to illustrate different themes and topics
Guidelines of Making a MindMap
1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors: The center is the key because, as you
will see, the ideas documented in a mind map radiate from the center of diagram, similar the branches or
root system of a tree. The colors are important because they provide an extra dimension of information to
help your brain interpret the data more effectively. Starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread
out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
2. Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map: An image is worth a thousand
words and helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed, helps
you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz! Words are important, but pictures make it easier and
faster to communicate information visually. Similarly, symbols, codes and dimensions provide a mental
shorthand to speed up the communication process. Of course, these different symbols, code and dimensions
should be simple enough that a wide variety of people can easily interpret Use colours throughout because
colours are as exciting to your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind Map,
adds tremendous energy to your creative Thinking.

1
Assistant Professor, Pillai College of Education & Research , New Panvel.
Cognitive Discourses International Multidisciplinary Journal pISSN 2321-1075 eISSN 2347-5692
Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2013 Retrieved from: http:cdimj.naspublishers.com
3. Connect your main branches to the central image and connect your second- and third-level branches to the
first and second levels, etc. because your brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four)
things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.
4. The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and
flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
The idea here is to give the reader a visual guide as to the level of detail they’re at within a mind map.
Obviously, if you follow the lines through the map, you’ll see how everything is connected. Varying
thicknesses will make the mind map look like a system of branches or roots.
5. Make your branches curved rather than straight-lined as straight lines are boring to your Brain.
6. Use one key word per line. Single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility. This is to
make the mind map easy to interpret. Too many uncoordinated lines make for a confusing mind map.
7. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping. Personal style allows you to create mind maps more
efficiently and effectively.
Although the research base to support the adoption of mind mapping as an effective pedagogical
strategy does not currently exist, mind mapping does seem to be consistent with several theories and approaches
in education. Multiple intelligences theory (Gardner 1983, 1999), a pluralistic conception of intelligence that is
posited on the existence of eight distinct intelligences (verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial,
musical-rhythmic, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist), provides a framework for
teachers to examine and make decisions about many aspects of their instructional practice. According to Kagan
and Kagan (1998), the theory can be used to match teaching styles to how students learn, to encourage students
to develop all of the intelligences, and to celebrate student diversity. Mind mapping offers teachers a mapping
on sense strategy that can be used to target the visual-spatial intelligence, thus providing another tool through
which students can learn and show what they have learned. Mind mapping can also be used in conjunction with
other teaching approaches that target other intelligences. For example, mind maps may be created by groups of
students as they develop both academic and social skills through cooperative learning structures (Johnson &
Johnson, 1990; Kagan, 1994; Sharan & Sharan, 1992). Another theory that has import for science teaching and
learning is constructivism. In the constructivist view of knowledge, the individual constructs knowledge by
interacting with objects and events through the senses (Tobin & Tippins,1993). In other words, individuals
construct their own meaning and understanding of the world and knowledge through the interaction of what they
know and believe and the ideas and experiences they encounter. There is an assumption that a reality exists but
it is beyond the capability of humans to know that reality (von Glaserfeld, 1989). Mind mapping , if adopted as a
learning tool individually or in groups, has the potential to provide a means for students to explore prior
knowledge and understandings, to consolidate new learning with already held ideas and conceptions, and to
reveal how new ideas are changed and adapted as new learning occurs. Mind maps can provide a visual record
of student thinking and the development of student ideas, thus offering educators a concrete strategy for
translating the theoretical underpinnings of constructivist theory into classroom practice.
Advantages of using Mind Maps to record information and ideas
 They allow a large number of complex ideas to be compressed into a single page.

 Mind Maps are created in an organic and flexible way - links can be drawn between any items or
sections. New ideas can be added in any direction, so they are good for brainstorming.

 Because it mirrors the way in which the brain works and incorporates colour, visual images and
compressed ideas, a Mind Map is much easier to memorise and recall than a linear list.
Mind Maps can be used to do the following:
 Brainstorm lists of potential networks and contacts you can use for researching options.

 Brainstorm evidence of your competencies, when preparing CVs and Application Forms.
Cognitive Discourses International Multidisciplinary Journal pISSN 2321-1075 eISSN 2347-5692
Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2013 Retrieved from: http:cdimj.naspublishers.com
 Map out the structure of a CV, Covering Letter or section of an Application Form.

 Prepare an overall picture of yourself - this is particularly useful in preparing for interviews.

 Prepare answers to specific questions you might expect in interview

Mind maps can be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Large central picture, main and sub branches which you can justify, maximum colors, justification of
the similar colors used, less key words per branch, line thickness varies with importance.
Mind maps can be used for problem solving, outline/framework design, structure/relationship,
representations, anonymous collaboration, marriage of words and visuals, individual expression of creativity,
condensing material into a concise and memorable format, team building or synergy creating activity, enhancing
work morale.
The implementation of this technique which enhances the creativity, starting from the main branches,
secondary and additional lines for further ideas (sub-branches) can be drawn. This order is from abstract to
concrete, and from public to private. Also, while mind map is drawn, colors should be used. As well as paying
attention to use of color, the symbols that define the mind map in the best way such as pictures, sketches, small
arrows, geometric figures, exclamation marks and question marks can be used. (Beyer, 1993, Buzan & Buzan,
1993; Hemmerich, Wendy & Kanwal, 1994; Hugl, 1995; Svantesson, 1992).
Mind map, as well as encouraging the infinite continuous flow of ideas, enables the brain to be awake
and alert by making the brain use its skills. (Buzan,1996). Also, it is envisioned that it will take an important
place among the techniques which contribute to the implementation of the constructivist approach with the idea
that it will be effective in identifying and eliminating misconceptions. As stated above, the technique of mind
mapping to be available in almost every area will provide a significant contribution to student’s learning,
especially in the field of education for the implementation of the constructivist approach by teachers in the
clasWycoff (1991) sorted some of the usage areas of the mind mapping technique as writing, project
organization, brainstorming, meetings, doing lists, presentations, note-taking, and personal development. When
viewed from this angle, it can be used in almost every area from technical note-taking to examining a personal
shopping list strategically (ceted in Bütüner, 2006).
REFERENCES
www.abodeqa.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/quality-criteria-mindmap
www.cobachsonora.net/materiales/s4/lae4/.../New-Mind-Map-rubric.do
www.graysgreatgrade.wikispaces.com/file/.
www.mindtools.com › Learning Skills
www.mytopdrawer.wikispaces.com/file/view/Mind+Map+Criteria.do
www.thoughtwrestling.com/blog/mind-mapping-techniques-buzan
www.tonybuzan.com
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