mind maps

• Basic mind map has a central element and several lines branching out to sub elements. A complex mind map could include all the lines connecting relating concepts using different colours in various ways of representing them.
• mind, maps, help display knowledge in a meaningful way in can allow the student to process the contents systematically
• psychologists believe that systematically organise information is easier to recall - Bower
• usefulness


  Leads to a feeling of control in confidence that student gets from using it, but could apply to almost any form of revision

  A mind map can be helpful because it is a visual representation and allows for almost instant appreciation of an area of knowledge

  It’s also easy to add new information to a mind map
• effectiveness


  Farrand used third year medical undergraduates to use, mind, maps, to learn a page of text and another group use an alternative method

  The mind mapping students maintain a significant increase in recall one week later, compared to the control, 10% compared to 6%
• practicalities


  Mind mapping can be learned, reasonably well without assistance

  To develop as a useful skill that benefit students, some training is helpful

  Without training, many students become preoccupied with style over substance, which includes prettifying it with loads of colour, but attractive mind maps do not guarantee the most effective recall.