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The human brain is very different from a computer. Whereas a computer works in a linear fashion, the brain works associatively as well as linearly - comparing, integrating and synthesizing as it goes.Association plays a dominant role in nearly every mental function, and words themselves are no exception. Every single word, and idea has numerous links attaching it to other ideas and concepts.
Mind Maps™, developed by Tony Buzan are an effective method of note-taking and useful for the generation of ideas by associations. To make a mind map, one starts in the center of the page with the main idea, and works outward in all directions, producing a growing and organized structure composed of key words and key images.
Key features are: - Organization
- Key Words
- Association
- Clustering
- Visual Memory - Print the key words, use color, symbols, icons, 3D-effects,arrows and outlining groups of words
- Outstandingness - every Mind Map needs a unique center
- Conscious involvement
Mind Maps are beginning to take on the same structure as memory itself. Once a Mind Map is drawn, it seldom needs to be referred to again. Mind Maps help organize information.
Because of the large amount of association involved, they can be very creative, tending to generate new ideas and associations that have not been thought of before. Every item in a map is in effect, a center of another map.
The creative potential of a mind map is useful in brainstorming sessions. You only need to start with the basic problem as the center, and generate associations and ideas from it in order to arrive at a large number of different possible approaches. By presenting your thoughts and perceptions in a spatial manner and by using color and pictures, a better overview is gained and new connections can be made visible.
Mind maps are a way of representing associated thoughts with symbols rather than with extraneous words something like organic chemistry. The mind forms associations almost instantaneously, and "mapping" allows you to write your ideas quicker than expressing them using only words or phrases.
Notes from Books by Tony Buzan
- "Use Both Sides of your Brain" Plume 1989
- Chapter 6 - Mind Maps Introduction
- Chapter 7 - Mind Maps - The Laws
- Chapter 8 - Mind Maps - advanced methods and uses
- Chapter 9 - The Mind Map organic study technique (MMOST)
- The Mind Map Book - How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain's Untapped Potential
- The Mind Map Book
- The disadvantages of standard notes
- Mind maps use pictures.
- Harnessing the full range of your cortical skills
- Summary of the Mind Map Laws
- The mnemonic mind map as a mirror of creativity.
- Creative Thinking Mind Maps
- Computer Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping SoftwarePrograms for Mind Mapping:
- ConceptDraw MINDMAP - a powerful cross-platform Mind Mapping tool for both Macintosh and Windows, providing with extensive drawing and editing abilities.
- MindManager - software authorized by Tony Buzan (Windows only)
- Axon Idea Processor - a multi-purpose visual idea processing tool with capabilities for producing Mind Maps. (Windows only)
- Inspiration (Macintosh and Windows)
Mind Map Web Sites- www.mind-map.com Tony Buzan's official web site. Here you will find information on products, examples, and certified trainers.
- My Values and Principles - Mind Map by Nancy Margulies
Mind Map Authors- Tony Buzan - Tony has written a variety of books on Mind Maps, Memory, Speed Reading, Studying, Genius and making the most of your brain.
- Dilip Mukerjea - Dilip has written several books on the brain, and include beautiful, hand-drawn maps. Follow this link for information on books and training.
- Joyce Wycoff - has written a useful book on Mind Mapping in conjunction with Tony Buzan.
- Nancy Margulies - "Mapping Inner Space". This book is a wonderful resource for teachers and students of all ages. There are many examples of mind maps and ideas for pictures and symbols you can use in your Mind Maps.
- Peter Russell's "The Brain Book" (Published 1979). Peter worked with Tony Buzan in the mid-seventies to teach Mind Mapping and his book was promoted by Time Manager, a Danish Time Management diary manufacturer.
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