Study techniques: mind map

Mind maps are meant to create associations in a similar way to how your brain works. They are a radically different way to study, and if you practice them a few times they work surprisingly well. The various stems are triggers for associations to material you need to remember, and they are built in a hierarchy of associations because our minds work best when you associate things to ideas you already understand. There are a number of ways to make mind maps work for you, and we’ve listed them in brief. If you’re interested, you can find examples of mind maps online that expand on the concept and become much more complicated, but also more effective.

Simple

You want the structure to be simple, flow logically, and to have an obvious hierarchy of associations as you move further out. All branches should relate in an obvious way to their parent stem – that will help you build associations as you make them, which will greatly increase



Form & organization

Mind maps need space to breathe, and a clear change as you progress from a parent stem to its branches. This is accomplished through the thickness of the lines. This mind map is a simple rendition, but you can create expansive maps that continue to expand outwards. The bigger the map, the more important the forethought as to what the hierarchy will be.



Visuals

The types of visuals you use are important. Simple, key words should be used at all times. They are supposed to trigger memory, not repeat a sentence or paragraph you need to know. Using illustrations (yes, even if they’re awful illustrations), and colour increases links you form in your memory.



Fun Style

Your style will develop over time, but you should remember that mind maps are meant to be a fun way to study. As you make more and more of them, you can find your own style, but until then it’s good to copy existing mind maps. There are tons of examples on the internet for you to use until you feel comfortable applying your own creativity to it. Once you do, you may find that making it your own original creation helps to improve memory as well.

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