MIND MAPPING IN MATHS AILEEN ALEXANDER PT MATHS CLEVEDEN SECONDARY SCHOOL

WHY MIND MAPPING? To learn how to learn and organise your thoughts you need to be able to: Use the SYNERGETIC build of the skills of the right and left hemispheres. Use your brain’s natural associative function to retain and recall information. Repeat new habits to build and strengthen new thought patterns.

THE MIND MAP: DEFINITION The mind map is an expression of Radiant Thinking and is therefore a natural function of the human mind. It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance. The Mind Map has four essential characteristics:

THE MIND MAP: DEFINITION The subject of attention is crystallised in a central image. The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image on the branch. Branches hold a key image of word printed on the associated line. Details are attached to the main themes,radiating out. The branches form a connected nodal structure.

INTRODUCING THE MIND MAP 1 st Here are some examples of mind maps: pupils and mine! How do you read them. 2 nd I’ll show you how to make a mind map I’ll give answers for all those things you may want to know about Mind Maps and… Finally you can have a go!

HOW TO READ A MIND MAP 1. Start in the centre. This is the FOCUS of the Mind Map. 2. Words/Images closest to the central image show the MAIN THEMES of the Mind Map. This is a Radiant Hierarchical Structure. 3. Select one main theme and read out from the centre along the branch. This provides greater levels of associated DETAIL. Proceed round the Mind Map, either in the order of your choice or as suggested by the author 4. Note links between the branches.

HOW TO MAKE A MIND MAP 1. Take a blank piece of paper A4 size or larger. 2. Use the paper landscape. 3. Start in the centre. 4. Make a central image that represents the topic about which you are writing/thinking.

4. (cont) Use at least 3 colours. Keep the height and width of the central image to approximately 2”/5cm. The image creates its own shape. 5. The main themes around the central image are like topics within the unit. Print the words in capitals, or draw an image. Place on a line of the same length. The central lines are thick, curved and organic.

6. Add other main theme branches, by thinking of other topic headings. 7. Start to add a second level of thought. These words or images are linked to the main branch that triggered them. Remember, Lines connected and are thinner. Words printed. 8. Add a third of fourth level of data as thoughts come to you. Use images as much as you can, instead of addition to words. Allow your thoughts to come freely, meaning you ‘jump about’ the Mind Map as the links and associations occur to you.

9. Add a new dimension to your Mind Map. Boxes add depth around the word or image. 10. Make each Mind Map a little more: BEAUTIFUL ARTISTIC COLOURFUL IMAGINATIVE and DIMENSIONAL 11. Have fun! ANGLE