Study Skills Core Modules
Note-Taking
Note-taking Method #2 - Mind-Mapping
You've probably already heard of mind-maps. You may have even tried creating one in the past. Some students love them, but some just don't see the point. If you fall into the latter category, that's probably because you haven't been shown how to use them properly. Skip to the end (Method #2 below) to see what you've been missing...*
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Mind-maps are great for consolidating notes into a single, visual and creative page. They're perfect for revision and essay planning.
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If you don't know what a mind-map is and have never seen one, here's a quick guide:
A mind map consists of a central word, idea or subject, with main ideas linked to the central image as sub-topics (see below for visual examples). Further, less important but still useful ideas connect to the sub-topics to add more detail, if needed.
The completed diagram forms a 'map’ of the topic, which will help you understand and remember the information.
Colours and pictures are used to aid memory and highlight important ideas, facts, questions, etc.
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Method #1 (record & reduce):
- Take a large blank sheet of paper or start a blank page in a mind-mapping software program or PowerPoint (a good alternative because of its shapes/lines menu). Use in landscape orientation – to give yourself plenty of room to develop ideas.
BREAK - Use coloured pens, pencils or fonts (colours help you to remember).
BREAK - Write down the main idea or subject in the centre or draw a picture which represents it.
BREAK - Next draw thick branches radiating outwards from the central idea or image. These branches represent your sub-topics.
BREAK - Write the name of each sub-topic on the branch – these are your keywords.
BREAK - Add thinner branches to the end of the thick branches – to represent your next level of thought.
BREAK - Use pictures – the brain likes images and pictures rather than text!
BREAK - Revisit later. Your brain will continue to work on it while you do other things and will provide you with fresh ideas.
BREAK - Have fun! Remember it is your mind map, so you can create it however you choose. Your brain is most effective when you are enjoying yourself.
The key to mind-mapping is to keep notes brief. But you can be as colourful or creative as you want, using highlighters, felt tips, drawings, etc.
Mind-maps don’t have to be 'spider diagrams’; they can be any shape or layout that suits your topics…
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How to use a mind-map
*Lots of students stop once they have created their mind-map. They put it in a file and forget about it, or skim over it before exams.
Better students put their mind-maps up on the wall and occasionally look at them.
The best students re-use them!
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Method #2:
- Once you've completed your mind-map, put it up somewhere you can see it - the bedroom wall, or another space you regularly look at.
BREAK - Then, at suitable intervals (e.g. once a week), without looking at the original, try and re-draw your mind-map from memory - you don't have to use all the colours and pictures this time, just work on the labelled branches.
BREAK - When you've drawn as much as you can remember, compare it with the original. See how many branches you got right.
BREAK - Add new images or colours to those branches you got wrong or missed out to help you remember them better for next time.
BREAK - You can also ask someone to test your knowledge by questioning you on the individual branches and asking you for more information about them.
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By the time you sit an exam, you should be able to copy the mind-map out in less than 5 minutes, providing you with all the information you need to answer a question on that topic... Genius.
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Examples:
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Quick Activity
You can upload your own example of using a mind-map. You might chose to rework some class notes or create your first revision sheet. You can either upload a scanned copy of a handwritten version, or create a mind-map using PowerPoint, Word, Publisher or any other computer program that is flexible enough.
Note-taking Mind-Mapping Activity: Upload your completed Mind-Mapping example here
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A couple of programs you may find on the college computer system (by searching in the start button on the bottom left of your screen) include Miscrosoft Visio (see this YouTube demo)