Q. Mind Maps
- The Mind Map, popularized by Tony Buzon, is similar to a concept map.
- They hold information in a format that our mind finds quick to review and easy to remember.
- It is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea.
- The elements are arranged intuitively according to their importance.
- The are classified into branches with the goal of representing semantic or other connections between portions of information.
- Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational and business situations.
- Mind Map improves the way we take notes and supports and enhances our creative problem-solving.
- One can also use mind maps as a mnemonic technique to sort out complicated ideas.
A comparison of concept maps, mind maps
Definition:-
Concept Map- A concept map is a top-down diagram showing the relationships between concepts, including cross connections among concepts, and their manifestations (examples).
Mind Map – A mind map is a multi-coloured and image-centred, radial diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of learned material hierarchically.
Main function or benefit:-
Concept Map – Shows systematic relationships among sub-concepts relating to one main concept.
Mind Map – Show sub-topics of a domain in a creative and seamless manner.
Typical application context:-
Concept Map – Classroom teaching, self study and revision.
Mind Map – Personal note taking and reviewing.
Application guidelines:-
Concept Map – Use it as a learning support tool for students, that is, to summarize key course topics or clarify the elements and examples of an abstract concept.
Mind Map – Use it for pre-analytic idea jostles or rapid note-taking, or to structure the main contents of a course or topic hierarchically.
Employed graphic elements:-
Concept Map – Boxes/bubbles with text and labelled connector arrows.
Mind Map – Central topic bubble and colored (sub-) branches with text above branches, pictograms.
Reading direction:-
Concept Map – Top-down.
Mind Map – Center-out.
Core design rules or guidelines:-
Concept Map – Start with main concept (at the top), and end with examples (bottom, without circles); boxes/bubbles designate concepts, arrows represent relationships; include cross-links among elements.
Mind Map – Start with main topic (center) and branch out to sub-topics, employ pictograms and colors to add additional meaning. Write text above the branches.
Macro structure adaptability:-
Concept Map – Flexible, but always branching out
Mind Map – Somewhat flexible, but always Radial
Level of difficulty:-
Concept Map – Medium to high
Mind Map – Low
Extensibility:-
Concept Map – Limited
Mind Map – Open
Memorability:-
Concept Map – Low
Mind Map – Medium to high
Understandability by others:-
Concept Map – High
Mind Map – Low
