Knowing different ways to improve instruction is only useful when a person is fully aware how to use it as well as how to encourage others to improve their skills. Below are some tips on how to make the most out of your mind-mapping experience and to make it the most beneficial to you. I was also wondering does anyone have any other ideas that could work?
Improving your Mind Maps
Once you understand how to make notes in the Mind Map format, you can develop your own conventions to take them further. The following suggestions may help to increase their effectiveness:
- Use single words or simple phrases for information: Most words in normal writing are padding: They convey facts in the correct context, and in a format that is pleasant to read. In your own Mind Maps, single strong words and meaningful phrases can convey the same meaning more potently. Excess words just clutter the Mind Map.
- Print words: Joined up or indistinct writing can be more difficult to read.
- Use color to separate different ideas: This will help you to separate ideas where necessary. It also makes your Mind Map easier to remember. Color also helps to show the organization of the subject.
- Use symbols and images: Where a symbol or picture means something to you, use it. Pictures can help you to remember information more effectively than words.
- Using cross-linkages: Information in one part of the Mind Map may relate to another part. Here you can draw in lines to show the cross-linkages. This helps you to see how one part of the subject connects with another.
I got this information from the following link: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm
I have been thinking about this. What if you half filled a Mind Map but left all the relationship lines blank. Would this make a good exam, where they have to label the relationships?
ReplyDeleteEspecially if they were free to use there own words?
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteWith a great organized concept mapping, it is much more easy to use the website. Just like the website we have to evaluate, easy-to-use is an imprtant part in a website. These information you shared are really helpful!
Steven, I like your idea about leaving some of the map blank that way as a teacher we could see if the student not only sees the big picture on how they all are related, but the details connecting all the ideas together as well.
ReplyDeleteVivi- I agree the two websites I have found so far have been very user-friendly and seem to contain endless ideas.
For students who find it difficult to write long passages, especially in a language not their first, Mind mapping can answer a question as deeply as many sentences. As long as the student understands what they have created.
ReplyDeleteVissy- I think you bring up a good point! It would then be a good idea to sit down with the student individual and have them discuss their mind-map or have them present it to the class to make sure that they didn't just accidentally come across the right answers but that they know what they are talking about.
ReplyDelete