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Note-taking: a Practical Guide

Mind mapping

Dive into the world of effective note-taking strategies.
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Mind mapping


What is mind mapping?


Mind mapping is a dynamic and visual note-taking method that engages active participation and critical thinking.

It involves creating a graphic representation of ideas or principles, showcasing their interrelations.

This method starts with a central topic and then branches out to connect subtopics, details, and concepts, often enhanced with colours or images for visual appeal.

Taking notes using mind mapping

  1. Begin with a central theme/idea/topic and branch out into main categories.
  2. Connect related subtopics to each category, showing the relationship between ideas.
  3. Add layers of detail, including facts and examples, to each subtopic.
  4. Use colours, symbols, and images for a more vivid and memorable map.
  5. Review your mind map to reinforce knowledge and make connections.

Digital tools for mind mapping

The act of mapping something out is something that's generally much easier with paper and a pen than it is with a mouse and a screen. It's one of those areas where a touch-screen device can come into its own.

For digital mind mapping, there are many applications you could use. MindGenius is a piece of software available on University computers which can help generate mind maps. But you can also draw mind maps in many note-taking apps and in pretty-much any drawing or image-editing program. You could even use Microsoft PowerPoint.

As well as the above, there are many online tools to help you make mind maps. Usually these operate on a 'freemium' model.

Disclaimer: The University does not have a contract with any of these sites. You should always think critically about using third-party applications and never give them any sensitive data.

Mind mapping example

A main topic at the centre is highlighted in green and serves as the node from which various branches extend. There are six branches, each leading to a different colored rectangular or oval node labeled Subtopic or Idea. Each of these nodes is connected to smaller text items such as Text, Example, Quote, Summary, Method, and Discussion, indicating different elements or details related to the subtopics or ideas. These nodes have been highlighted in pink, yellow, and purple by someone who has a lot of highlighters to hand. Arrows indicate the flow and connections between the main topic, subtopics, ideas, and their respective details.

Advantages and disadvantages of mind mapping

Advantages

  • Offers a visual overview of topics and their interconnections, potentially helping comprehension and recall.
  • Logically connects ideas and concepts.
  • Supports memory retention through images and colour.
  • Efficient for reviewing and reinforcing understanding of material.

Disadvantages

  • Less effective for capturing detailed, linear information like changes from significant points to specific facts.
  • Can become complex and unwieldy for dense subjects, risking oversimplification of information.
  • Demands high concentration levels and the ability to discern between main ideas and details.
  • May need to be complimented with other note-taking methods for comprehensive coverage.
  • Can be time-consuming and the design process may distract from learning the material.

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