Where Can Mind Maps Take You?
Get curious
See how the dancer moves to one side and then to the other.
Start doing circles on your stomach with your left hand and, simultaneously, start patting yourself on the head with your right hand.
Get going
Watch the film. Tony Buzan – the creator of mind maps – shares tips on how to develop your inner creativity.
Which cerebral hemisphere is used during writing, reading, counting?
How frequently are classes based on these activities?
What is the purpose of mind maps?
Think how can you use them for yourself and how to teach them to your students. You can find the purpose of mind maps in the section Learn more.
Learn about the principles for the creation of mind maps using the best examples.
http://www.tonybuzan.com/gallery/mind-maps/
and answer the following questions:
How is the sheet placed?
What is in the middle?
To what can you compare the lines?
How many words are there on a single branch?
What is the width and the length of the branches?
How are the words spelled?
What letters are used?
How many of them are there?
What can you see apart from branches and words?
The seven steps to creating a mind map (according to Tony Buzan).
1. Start in the CENTRE of a blank sheet turned sideways.
Why? Because starting in the centre gives your brain freedom to spread out in all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
2. Use an IMAGE or a PICTURE for your central idea.
Why? Because an image is worth a thousand words and helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you focused, helps you concentrate, and gives your brain more of a buzz!
3. Use COLORS throughout.
Why? Because colors are as exciting for your Brain as images. Color adds extra vibrancy and vividness to your Mind Map, gives a tremendous amount of power to your creative thinking ability, and it is simply fun!
4. CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your second- and third-level branches to the first and second level, etc.
Why? Because your brain works by association. It likes to link two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and remember much more easily.
5. Make your branches CURVED rather than straight.
Why? Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your brain.
6. Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE.
Why? Because single key words give your mind map more power and flexibility.
7. Use PICTURES throughout.
Why? Because every picture, like the central one, is worth a thousand words. So, if you have as few as 10 pictures in your mind map, it is already equal to having 10,000 words of notes!
Source: http://www.tonybuzan.com/about/mind-mapping/
It is high time to create your first map!
- Prepare several blank sheets of paper and all the colored pens you have at home.
- If you have a list of tasks for next week or month it would make your job easier. Do not worry, if you do not - use the thoughts you have in your mind.
- Start by drawing something that symbolizes the upcoming week/month in the very center of the sheet and go to action!
Summary
Get practicing
Learn how to juggle!
This is one of the most efficient ways to improve the synergy between cerebral hemispheres.
If you normally use your right hand, start using the left and vice versa. This way you will be able to develop new cerebral connections.