A Mind Map for All Ages
I am sometimes asked whether Mind Maps can be used by people of all ages
with equal success. The answer to this question is a resounding YES!
Skill in Mind Mapping is not dependent on
age, sex, colour or creed; a Mind Map is a
reflection of the brain’s raw intelligence.
A Mind Map is a mirror of the mind’s inner workings. In this way, a bright and
imaginative child is just as likely to create a useful Mind Map as a CEO of many
years’ standing. Moreover, all children are equipped with the “kids’ kit” of
questions – Why? How? What? When? Where? – which act like grappling hooks
to reach the peaks of knowledge. Adults would do well to adopt a childlike
approach when Mind Mapping!
Let’s remind ourselves of the Laws of Mind Mapping (see
Chapter 2
,
page 60
).
The Laws place no emphasis on expertise or experience. In Mind Mapping, the
use of colour, imagination and inventiveness confirm the natural development of
artistic skill. In addition, a Mind Map is constructed from images and individual
keywords rather than turns of phrase. This means that a Mind Map cuts through
jargon, waffle and artifice to get to the heart of a matter in a manner that is
slightly reminiscent of the way in which, for example, a young child speaks its
mind.
Finally, a Mind Map relies on the power of Radiant Thinking rather than on
Finally, a Mind Map relies on the power of Radiant Thinking rather than on
deduction and reduction. As an open-minded thinking tool, a Mind Map charts
the processes of the brain in action instead of fixating on conclusions and
outcomes.
Planting a Garden of Ideas
Marek Kasperski is a Polish entrepreneur,
the Online Editor of
Synapsia
magazine and a lecturer. He explains how Mind Maps inform his teaching
methods, while his Mind Map shows the sort of detail that can be included
in an advanced version:
A Mind Map is like a garden where ideas can grow and blossom
so that others who view it may also be inspired. As a lecturer in
higher education, I often need to explain difficult concepts to
students of varying abilities. Not only do Mind Maps help my
students understand these concepts, they make it much easier for
them to revise and remember the salient points. A Mind Map
excites their imagination, starts them on a journey and helps them
discover new areas to explore. I encourage them to create their
own Mind Maps during lectures. This often leads them to ask
questions they might not otherwise have considered, which
benefits the entire class.
The Mind Maps I create for my classes range from very small
concept maps to large ones encompassing an entire subject. I find
it’s crucial to follow the Laws of Mind Mapping. My students
respond to images very well, especially those who have English
as a second language, as images speak a universal language.
Using colour in a Mind Map is also so important. Not only is
colour fun, it is essential for helping my students focus on each
branch and analyse the information in it. I encourage my students
to use images rather than words, or to combine the two. Many of
the concepts I discuss in my Mind Maps are linked to other ideas
within the Mind Map. This is of great benefit, as it assists in
weaving the ideas together into a big picture.
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