mind maps or spider diagrams

When we read a book, watch T V, listen to others.... we are receiving information in a linear (one dimensional) way. We are usually taught in a one dimensional way. When we write we produce a one dimensional document. So we have become accustomed to learn in a one dimensional way.

But we DON'T always think in 1D. Our minds are usually jumping all over the place - receiving information from our senses, processing it, making associations with our knowledge and experience and forgetting it. We do not have to learn and study in a 1D way - we can do it in a holistic way.

'Mind maps' or spider diagrams (or whatever you like to call them) are a 2D way of making notes or passing on information. They can show multiple associations. They can also show the links between things or the pathways that associate them. We are not limited to words we can use drawings or pictures in the 'mind maps'. When we create 'mind maps' using a computer we can even turn them from 2D into 3D by adding hyperlinks that can lead to other documents, files, webpages or even other 'mind maps'.

'Mind maps' help us to see the relationships that linear learning may obscure. And when we have to convert our holistic view back into a linear one (for essay writing or teaching for example) we may find a more interesting order in which to present written information, include graphic information or be more flexible in our presentation.

They are not a 'better' way of learning and may not suit everyone - but why not give it a try sometime?

Click here to view this information as a "mind map" and some other examples.

(Mike Horne, May 2005)

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