Curriculum Mapping

Uses of Mind Maps

Summarizing information. Consolidating information from

different research sources. Thinking through complex problems. Presenting information in a format that shows the overall structure of your subject. What's more, they are very quick to review as you can often refresh information in your mind just by glancing at one.

Remembering the shape and structure of a Mind Map can give you the cues you need to remember the information within it. As such, they engage much more of your brain in the process of assimilating and connecting facts, compared with conventional notes.

Managing and problem-solving - being able to quickly absorb relevant information and then map out the different aspects, think through the consequences of possible actions and make better decisions.

Note-taking from the spoken and written word - whether in a meeting, interview or discussion, or summarizing information from a journal or report, taking notes in which the relevant information is clear and easy to remember, is exceptionally valuable in business and other areas of life.

Reading faster and remembering more - the norm on this course is for people to double or treble their reading speed, whilst understanding better and remembering more. Imagine how useful that would be! Many managers and professionals tell us that they spend on average, 40% of their time reading. That's two days a week, every week. If you double your reading speed (it is very rare for course delegates not to do so) you will save yourself a day a week - every week, forever!

Study effectively and efficiently - studying for an exams or other qualifications. You also need techniques that save you time and help you achieve better results. Be memorable for your memory - 90% of people will have a better memory - for facts, figures, names and faces.

How to Mind Map

Use just key words, or wherever possible images.

Start from the center of the page and work out.

Make the center a clear and strong visual image that depicts the general theme of the map.

Create sub-centers for sub-themes.

Put key words on lines. This reinforces structure of notes.

Print rather than write in script. It makes them more readable and memorable.

Lower case is more visually distinctive (and better remembered) than upper case.

Use color to depict themes, associations and to make things stand out. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind.

Think three-dimensionally. Use arrows, icons or other visual aids to show links between different elements.

Don't get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area go to another branch.

Put ideas down as they occur, wherever they fit.

Don't judge or hold back.

Break boundaries.

If you run out of space, don't start a new sheet; paste more paper onto the map. (Break the 8x11 mentality.)

Be creative. Creativity aids memory.

Get involved. Have fun