Mind Maps and Lotus Charts
Share on Facebook and Twitter
What is a Mind Map
A Mind Map is a type of graphic organiser. Mind Maps allow you to create a visual representation of ideas and concepts on any particular study topic. They are particularly useful for brainstorming and note taking.
They are a great note taking and study tool as they engage students in whole brain thinking. They allow you to see the big picture (how all the different ideas are to connected to one another). They are used as a study aid to help clarify thoughts, determine relationships, simplify complex ideas and memorise information.
Benefits of Mind Maps
A Mind Map is a type of graphic organiser. Mind Maps allow you to create a visual representation of ideas and concepts on any particular study topic. They are particularly useful for brainstorming and note taking.
They are a great note taking and study tool as they engage students in whole brain thinking. They allow you to see the big picture (how all the different ideas are to connected to one another). They are used as a study aid to help clarify thoughts, determine relationships, simplify complex ideas and memorise information.
Benefits of Mind Maps
- Helps students brainstorm and explore any idea, concept, or problem
- Helps students take study notes and plan tasks
- Facilitates better understanding of relationships and connections between ideas and concepts
- Makes it easy to communicate new ideas and thought processes
- Allows students to easily recall information
- Makes it easy to organise ideas and concepts
Creating Mind Maps
How to Mind Map
All Mind Maps begin with a main concept or idea that the rest of the map revolves around, so choosing that idea or topic is the first step. Begin by creating an image or writing a word that represents that first main idea.
From that main idea, create branches (as many as needed), that each represent a single word that relates to the main topic. It’s helpful to use different colors and images to differentiate the branches and sub-topics.
Then, create sub-branches that stem from the main branches to further expand on ideas and concepts. These sub-branches will also contain words that elaborate on the topic of the branch it stems from. This helps develop and elaborate on the overall theme of the mind map. Including images and sketches can also be helpful in brainstorming and creating the sub-branch topics.
Mind maps can be created on paper or on a computer with mind mapping software such as Bubbl.us and MindMeister that allow us to edit as we create.
An example of a Mind Map on Cybersafety
All Mind Maps begin with a main concept or idea that the rest of the map revolves around, so choosing that idea or topic is the first step. Begin by creating an image or writing a word that represents that first main idea.
From that main idea, create branches (as many as needed), that each represent a single word that relates to the main topic. It’s helpful to use different colors and images to differentiate the branches and sub-topics.
Then, create sub-branches that stem from the main branches to further expand on ideas and concepts. These sub-branches will also contain words that elaborate on the topic of the branch it stems from. This helps develop and elaborate on the overall theme of the mind map. Including images and sketches can also be helpful in brainstorming and creating the sub-branch topics.
Mind maps can be created on paper or on a computer with mind mapping software such as Bubbl.us and MindMeister that allow us to edit as we create.
An example of a Mind Map on Cybersafety
Lotus Charts
Lotus Charts take brainstorming and mind mapping to the next level. They can be used to generated ideas and link concepts.
In addition, higher order thinking can be developed by using questions instead of topics.
Downloadable Lotus Chart
Lotus Charts take brainstorming and mind mapping to the next level. They can be used to generated ideas and link concepts.
In addition, higher order thinking can be developed by using questions instead of topics.
Downloadable Lotus Chart
| lotus_chart.pdf |
Watch the Lotus Chart Video below
Share on Facebook and Twitter
References
Bluedorn, H. & Bluedorn, N. (2014). Critical Thinking Toolbox: How to Brainstorm. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/critical-thinking-toolbox-brainstorm-hans-nathaniel-bluedorn
Engelbrecht, T. (2012). Mindmaps: Students Making Their Own Meaning. Crazy Teaching. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://www.crazyteacherlady.com/crazy-thoughts/mindmaps-students-making-their-own-meaning
Inspiration Software,. (2014). How to teach mind mapping and how to make a mind map.Inspiration.com. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://www.inspiration.com/visual-learning/mind-mapping
Instructional Strategies Online,. (2009). Mind Mapping. Olc.spsd.sk.ca. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/De/PD/instr/strats/mindmap/index.html
Krasnic., T. (2012). Beginner’s Guide to the Use of Mind Maps in Elementary Schools.Blog.thinkbuzan.com. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://blog.thinkbuzan.com/education/beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-to-the-use-of-mind-maps-in-elementary-schools
Learning Fundamentals,. (2007). How to Mind Map for Study Success. Learningfundamentals.com.au. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/how-to-mind-map/
Mindmeister.com,. (2013). The Students' Guide to Mind Mapping | MindMeister Blog. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://www.mindmeister.com/blog/2013/09/17/the-students-guide-to-mind-mapping/
TeachThought,. (2013). 10 Mind Mapping Strategies For Teachers. TeachThought. Retrieved 9 September 2014, from http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/10-mind-mapping-strategies-for-teachers/
Our Virtual Library by Cathy Costello is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Cathy Costello teacher librarian virtual library