What is Mind Mapping? (and How to Get Started Immediately)

A mind map is a graphical way to represent ideas and concepts. It is a visual thinking tool that helps structuring information, helping you to better analyze, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas.

Just as in every great idea, its power lies in its simplicity.

In a mind map, as opposed to traditional note taking or a linear text, information is structured in a way that resembles much more closely how your brain actually works. Since it is an activity that is both analytical and artistic, it engages your brain in a much, much richer way, helping in all its cognitive functions. And, best of all, it is fun!

So, how does a mind map look like? Better than explaining is showing you an example.

This is a mind map about – conveniently enough – mind mapping itself. It presents, in a visual way, the core elements and techniques on how to draw mind maps. Yes, I know this may look a little too messy initially, but bear with me: once you break the ingrained habit of linear note taking, you won’t look back.

Drawing a mind map is as simple as 1-2-3:

• Start in the middle of a blank page, writing or drawing the idea you intend to develop. I would suggest that you use the page in landscape orientation.
• Develop the related subtopics around this central topic, connecting each of them to the center with a line.
• Repeat the same process for the subtopics, generating lower-level subtopics as you see fit, connecting each of those to the corresponding subtopic.

Some more recommendations:

• Use colors, drawings and symbols copiously. Be as visual as you can, and your brain will thank you. I’ve met many people who don’t even try, with the excuse they’re "not artists". Don’t let that keep you from trying it out!.
• Keep the topics labels as short as possible, keeping them to a single word – or, better yet, to only a picture. Especially in your first mind maps, the temptation to write a complete phrase is enormous, but always look for opportunities to shorten it to a single word or figure – your mind map will be much more effective that way.
• Vary text size, color and alignment. Vary the thickness and length of the lines. Provide as many visual cues as you can to emphasize important points. Every little bit helps engaging your brain.

Final Thoughts

Mind mapping is an absolutely fascinating and rich topic – this post only scratches the surface. If you want more reference material now, Wikipedia is always a good starting point.

Mind mapping is a passion for me, and it is one of the strongest drivers behind this blog. I plan to explore it in much more depth – publishing mind maps, providing tips, talking about computer mind mapping, and much more. Just make sure to keep visiting (or better yet, subscribe).

In the meantime, please give mind mapping a chance – try it out. Follow there handy tips and see the results for yourself. Don’t worry too much about doing it the "right" way – just make it fun.

To inspire you, one more great mind map from Buzan Centre Australia on Creative Intelligence.

" Sometimes all you need is a good TEACH ( EAR) "

What is a good teacher?








Depending on one’s perspective, this question has many valid answers. A child might say that a good teacher makes learning fun, is fair, and assigns no homework. A parent might say that a good teacher is organized, has good control of the class, and challenges students. Administrators might say that a good teacher follows district guidelines, presents district curriculum effectively, and contributes to the school community. The school building manager might say a good teacher is tidy, has students clean up after themselves, and makes reasonable demands on his/her time.

Good teachers come in a variety of sizes, shapes,

A good teacher, first and foremost, sees each student as an individual with hopes, dreams, strengths, and vulnerabilities

A good teacher knows her students on many levels. She learns all she can about their academic strengths and needs, but even more about their interests, fears, hopes, and worries.

A good teacher helps her students to develop, achieve, and maintain strong self-esteem.

A good teacher allows her students to see and get to know her real self.

A good teacher remembers that each of her students is somebody’s precious child.

A good teacher makes learning exciting. She helps each student find areas of interest to explore and master.
A good teacher knows that no one can be a good teacher to every student every day, but she continues to try – knowing that if she can be a good teacher to every student many days that she has been successful.



Originally published in the KEA Katalyst, May 1998

Computer Problems!

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called David, the 11 year old next door whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come over.

David clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.

As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"

He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An ID Ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again."

David grinned, "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"

"No", I replied.

"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like that little boy.

Kids: Too Much TV Equal High BP

Time in front of a Tv screen may be even worse for kids
than paediatricians thought.According to new data, excessive
screen time raises children' blood pressure-even if they're
not overweight.In the study of 111 girls and boys , systolic blood pressure
(the maximum pressure in the arteries ) was six to seven points higher in kids who clocked only about ten minutes daily.




That's enough to affect long-term health, say researcher Joe Eisenmenn , PhD , at Michigan state University.For your kids'heart health , he says, limit daily screen time to two hours and aim for an hour of heart-pumping, off-the-couch activity