The Rules of Mind Mapping
The main learning technique of LeLe is mind mapping. It is used in all three learning phases — priming, studying and even practising if you are trying to learn information. But how do we mind map?
define focus question
Start your mind map by defining a focus question. A question you want to answer inside your mind map. Depending on your questions your mind map might look different. Additionally, a focus question can help you focus on something specific and avoid bigger detours into different areas and topics. Defining a focus question enables you to aim at a goal.
To get the most out of mind mapping, there are certain components you can use, and there are also certain elements to avoid. Otherwise, your mind map will get too messy and impractical.
components of a map
Here is a list of components you can use in your mind maps:
- text with different styles
- arrows with different styles
- different shapes
- different colors
- doodles
- visual metaphors
- images
Use them however you want, as long as they support your thinking and learning. Use different styles to highlight different relationships or to emphasise certain connections.
stuff to avoid
In contrast to components to use, there are also things you should avoid while mind mapping:
- long chains of notes
- spokes of notes
- being too wordy
- transcribing
Long chains or spokes of notes are often not meaningful enough to support your learning. The same is also true for notes that are too wordy or even transcribed. You have to take notes in your own words.
Your mind map has to reflect your thinking. If it’s too wordy, you might get lost in too many details. Try to make meaningful connections and group your notes together to refine your mind map. Try taking notes while self-explaining the content.
the 4C rules of mind mapping
Besides what to use and what to avoid, there are also four rules to follow
while mind mapping: create, compare, connect and compress:
Create: create a map of your mind. Self-explain what you are trying to learn. Map your thoughts and current understanding. This helps with spotting gaps, questions and misunderstandings.
Compare: compare concepts and insights. This supports higher-order learning according to Blooms Taxonomy (which are: create, evaluate, analyse, apply, understand, remember)
Connect: connect concepts and insights. This helps build a network. Relevant relationships will help you understand and retrieve the information later when you need it.
Compress: simplify by grouping. If your mind map gets messy, take a moment to refine and simplify it. Group similar information together to compress your notes. This will make your mind map cleaner and less cluttered.
