A mind map is a kind of note-taking, an easy way to visually structure ideas, organize information on a single sheet of paper. It is a diagram for representing thoughts, ideas, concepts linked to and arranged around a central theme, providing a way of graphically representing information in words and pictures with associated links between ideas. It was first developed by Tony Buzan in the 1970s as a memory aid, but has since been used as a useful tool to generate and organize ideas.
A mind map is a colourful, memorable and organized diagram that works according to the brain’s natural way of conceiving ideas. Drawing mind maps is a creative graphical presentation using only important keywords, small images and branches that increase the potential of our mind.
Marilee Sprenger, in her book Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age, highlighted that mind maps can make abstract ideas concrete, hold large amounts of information, and encourage problem-solving.
“The single most powerful element in memory is visual memory. By adding emotion that is connected to each picture or symbol in the mind map, what is produced will be retained in the long-term memory bank of the brain. With mind maps, we are creating pictures that will enable the student to remember 80 to 100 percent of what we have taught.”
Why are they useful? They contain elements that belong to both the left and the right hemispheres of the brain. The two hemispheres of the brain create different perspectives of reality. When the two sides are working in synch with one another, the brain becomes balanced. The following chart shows the different functions of the two hemispheres:
When the left and the right hemispheres of the brain experience the world simultaneously, our mind can function much better. Mind maps make learning easier because they contain words, linear and logical thinking (left hemisphere), as well as colour, synthesis, imagination (right hemisphere). While learning with mind maps we make associations. Another factor that helps in memorizing is that they contain key words, eliciting only the important features.
In addition, mind mapping promotes active engagement with content, which research shows leads to deeper learning and better retention. According to Buzan (1994), starting from a central image and branching outward reflects the associative way our brains store information, making recall more natural and efficient. Digital tools such as iMindMap or MindMeister now allow collaboration in real time, enabling students to co-create mind maps during group projects or online lessons. Furthermore, teachers can use mind maps for formative assessment by asking students to visually summarize a unit or lesson, quickly revealing both understanding and misconceptions.
Possible uses of mind maps in teaching English: follow up of a reading comprehension, pre-writing activity, class debate, learning and organizing grammar concepts, learning vocabulary, revision, planning, memorizing, essay writing, problem solving, note taking, decision making, creative thinking, job interviews, speeches, presentation, brainstorming, finding brilliant ideas, goal setting, etc (Foreman)
Mind maps are also valuable for special educational needs: students with dyslexia, for example, often benefit from the visual-spatial format because it reduces the cognitive load of processing long linear text. By combining images, colors, and short key phrases, mind maps can increase motivation and self-confidence in learners who struggle with traditional note-taking methods.
Free resources:
Free Mind Map Templates, mindmapinspiration.com/
Online mindmapping sites:https://www.wisemapping.com/en/, www.smartdraw.com/
Further information about mind mapping can be found in
Tony Buzan: The Mind Map Book, How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain’s Untapped Potential, Dutton Printing, 1994. The mind map book : Tony Buzan : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Nancy Margulies Mapping Inner Space, Learning and Teaching Mind Mapping, Zephyr Press, Tucson, AZ, 1991; imindmap.com, www.mindmapping.com
References
About Mind Maps Grammar mind maps | English
Foreman, P., Why I use mindmaps Why I use Mind Maps
Sprenger M., Brain Based Teaching in the Digital Age, ASCD, 2010, pp.101-109
Youtube video: Maximise the Power of Your Brain – Tony Buzan MIND MAPPING
Tony Buzan, The Mind Map Book (Dutton, 1994), pp. 24-52
Marilee Sprenger, Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age (ASCD, 2010), pp.101-109
Ross McGee, How mind mapping can help with dyslexia, 2022, How Mind Mapping Helps with Dyslexia | Improve Learning Easily