By Eimear Dinneen - 6 minute readIf you're looking for a new and effective way to study, you should consider using Mind Maps! In this blog we'll talk you through how to use one and make one.
A mind map is a drawing of a basic concept, that stretches out into detail through branches and stems, like a plant. It allows you to visualise clearly the connections between topics, subjects and theories.
You can make your mind map whatever way you like, just try to keep it clean and clear. You can use colours, highlighters, drawings, stickers, you name it, whatever you think will help you retain the information.
Music Mind Map uploaded on Studyclix by Rallen12
Mind maps are visual, so they're ideal for those of you who are visual learners. It's a more creative way of collecting all the information you need to learn and it gives you a chance to put your own personal touch to what you're learning. You can take control in how you learn the information!
For example, if you're studying Art History, you can include your pictures and drawings to help you remember better than just looking at words on a page.
Stone Age Mind Map uploaded on Studyclix by ana_maria22
There are a few reasons why mind maps are better:
Studies have shown that drawing/creating art along with words helps you remember information 6 times better than if you just learnt from words alone.
Because you're linking different pieces of information in your Mind Map, you're using association, which is something that your brain can do easily. So by using Mind Maps you're making life a lot easier on your brain.
By linking and breaking down each idea into smaller ideas, you're simplifying the topic and making it easier for yourself to understand.
Your brain also finds it easier to remember/learn information when there's a mixture of colours, drawings and words.
Studies also show that your long-term memory can improve up to 10% by using Mind Maps.
You can create a Mind Map digitally or physically on paper. If you're going digital, there are plenty of apps out there that you can search for on the apple/play store as well as software you can download for your PC (just make sure it's virus free!). If you're using paper, get as many colours as you can together. I've made an example of making a mind map to study characters in Romeo and Juliet.
Start off by drawing a fairly large circle in the middle of the page. Inside the circle, write or draw a picture of what theme/topic you want the Mind Map to be about.
Around the circle, write down the key points and words relevant to that theme or topic. These are called primary ideas.
Start thinking about what you'd like to remember about your primary ideas. These are called secondary ideas and can be quotes, definitions, short summaries etc. Once you've thought about it, start branching out from the primary ideas with these secondary ideas.
Add stickers, sticky notes, pictures, anything that will help you retain the information better.
Cultural Context Mind Map uploaded on Studyclix by P. Carey
Easy, just look at it when you're revising that topic again.
The colours, drawings and branches you've used will pop out at you when you look at it again. Hopefully all that vital information will have been retained in your brain, causing you to be able to recall the information easily.
LCVP Mind Map by Caroline McHale on pdst.ie
It's important to note that even though we've provided some general advice on making Mind Maps, there are no set rules. It doesn't matter how pretty or how messy the Mind Map is, as long as you retain the information on it.
If you have any questions about study don't hesitate to send us a message, we're here to help!
Good luck with the study and exams!
