Many of us have learned
to outline subjects in our studies, as:
- First item
- Second item
- sub item
- sub item
- sub sub item
- sub sub item
- Third item
This is a very linear approach,
but not the way our minds work.
Why Map?
Instead,
our minds work like web sites:
groups of pages or ideas or concepts are linked
together,
or even go off on their own into other groupings
or webs. |
Learning
combines what you already know with what you want
to know,
and links this new information within our store of
knowledge.
Our memories then process these new
"links" and associations for later
recall.
A mind map
focuses on one idea;
A concept map works with
several or many.
|
When to map?
| Organizing a
subject |
Bringing about
"deeper" learning |
| Integrating
old and new knowledge |
Revising, and
preparing for, tests |
|
Taking
notes
|
| Placing new
ideas in a structure |
Brainstorming |
|
Communicating
complex ideas
|
Use mapping to put things
into perspective,
analyze relationships, and to prioritize.
How do I map?
First reject the idea of an outline, or of
paragraphs using sentences.
Now think in terms of key words or
symbols that represent ideas and words.
Take a pencil (you'll be erasing!)
and a blank (non-lined) big piece of paper
or use a blackboard and (colored) chalk:
- Write down the
most important word or short phrase or symbol
in the center.
Think about it; circle it.
|
- Write other
important words outside the circle.
Draw over-lapping circles to connect items, or
use arrows to connect them
(think of linking pages in a web site)
Leave white space to grow your map for
- further
development
- explanations
- action items
- Work quickly
without analyzing your work
|
- Edit this
first phase
Think about the relation of outside
items to the center
Erase and replace and shorten words to these
key ideas
Relocate important items closer to each other
for better organization
If possible, use color to organize information
Linking concepts with words to clarify the
relationship
|
- Continue
working outward
Freely and quickly add other
key words and ideas (you can always erase!)
Think weird: tape pages together to
expand your map; break boundaries
Develop in directions the topic takes you--not
limited by the size of the paper
As you expand your map, you will tend to
become more specific or detailed
|
- Set the map
aside
Later, continue development and revision
Stop and think about relationships
you are developing
Expand the map over time (right up to an
exam!)
|
- This map is
your personal learning document
It combines what you knew with what
you are learning
and what you may need to complete your
"picture"
|
|
