Theme for school library month 2014

School Library: Mind - Map Central

“So what, exactly, does a mind map look like? Mind maps come in all shapes and sizes, they're hand drawn or software generated, and the variety of options is stunning. A simple, hand drawn mind map starts with the main idea, or central concept, in the middle of a page, with branches off that main topic. These branches lead to subtopics, followed by additional detail the further away you move from the central concept”.

What is Mind Mapping?

Everyone knows the saying; “A picture paints or is worth a thousand words” that is exactly what a mind- map does for any individual. Ergo, in education, mind mapping is often used for:

Brainstorming sessions

Visualizing concepts

Improving critical thinking

Decision making

Improving reading and writing skills

Advanced research papers or graduate projects

Outlining written documents

Theme for school library month 2014

Storyboarding presentations

Project management

It is an excellent note taking tool. Thus, mind mapping uses the concept of "radiant thinking" – that is, thoughts radiate out from a single idea, often expressed as an image. Branches flow backwards and forwards from and to the central idea”.

Benefits of Mind Maps

1. Easy way to organize scattered thoughts

2. Connects topics and ideas

3. Use colours to identify key ideas and separate different thoughts

4. Images can replace words and often are easier to remember and expand upon

5. Can be used for note taking, meetings, personal matters, collaborating, problem solving etc.

6. Visual interpretation of thoughts, ideas and concepts – Aids in visual learning

7. Aids in retaining and remembering information

Information taken from:

http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/learning/study_skills/skills/mind_maps.htm http://mindmapcentral.wordpress.com/