Learning Strategies
Mind maps
The mind map method is not just a useful technique for the structuring and visualisation of learning content. It is also designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving ability, which makes it an ideal brainstorming tool. Perhaps you could use it to find the topic for your next piece of coursework? [1]
Method
Step 1: Identification of the main topic
As a general rule you should already know what your main topic is, for example the title of your course or the key text upon which it is based. Put the main topic at the centre of your mind map.
Step 2: Identification of key subtopics
If you are required to summarise one or more books you are advised to adopt the following approach:
“Begin by reading the blurb on the cover of the book. Now take a very close look at the table of contents. Read the foreword, and, where available, the synopses of each individual chapter. You need to have done all this before the next step, which is to skim through the first chapter. As you do so, pay attention to keywords (which are often signposted typographically using an italic, bold or underlined font) and try to identify the basic ideas dealt with in the chapter. If you come across any graphs, pictures, tables or similar, make sure you read the accompanying captions and annotations. In many cases you will find a summary of key ideas at the end of the chapter.” [2]
You can also apply this approach to lecture slides.
Step 3: Arrange the key subtopics in your mind map
Once you have identified the key subtopics it is time to arrange them as branches around your main topic. You can choose to work in a clockwise direction, create hierarchies or arrange them numerically.
As explained above, your short-term memory can store around seven chunks of information. It is therefore recommended that you include no more than seven key subtopics in your mind map. If you find you are unable to keep to this limit, select the seven key subtopics with the most relevance to your learning objective.
Step 4: Develop your key subtopics
It is now time to increase the differentiation between your key subtopics by adding further detail to them in the form of bullet points. This results in a network-like structure.
Example
Quelle [3]
They are:
- Theorie (theory)
- Funktion (function)
- Anwendung (application)
- Gestaltung (design)
- Technik (technique)
- Bewertung (evaluation)
Die Struktur von Mind Maps orientiert sich an der schematischen Darstellung von Wissen im Langzeitgedächtnis, was den Abruf erleichtert. Für Informationen zu Netzwerken im Langzeitgedächtnis bitte hier klicken.
The structure of mind maps is modelled on the schematic representation of how knowledge is stored in our long-term memory and therefore supports the retrieval of information from it. Please click here for further information on the network-like structure of our long-term memory.
Tip
You don’t always have to put mind maps down on paper, and may find it easier to switch to a computer program or app. The advantage of digital mind maps over those written on a sheet of paper is that there are no spatial limitations on them. On the contrary, you can add as much information to a digital mind map as you need – without having to write in smaller and smaller letters as you approach the edge of the page!