Mind Map: What and How?
Mind Map can be interpreted as a way to organize and present concepts, ideas, tasks or information….
Mind Map: What and How?
A. What is a Mind Map?
Mind Map can be interpreted as a way to organize and present concepts, ideas, tasks or other information in the form of non-linear radial-hierarchical diagrams. Mind maps generally present information that is connected to a central topic, in the form of keywords, images (symbols), and colors so that information can be learned and remembered quickly and efficiently.
Mind Map was initiated and developed by Tony Buzan , a British psychologist, who believes that the use of Mind Map is not only capable of speeding up memory processes but can also increase creativity and analytical skills, by optimizing the function of the hemispheres of the brain. Mind Map can turn information into knowledge, insight and action. The information presented focuses on the important parts, and can encourage people to explore and elaborate further.
Following the overview of the MindMaple work pattern , the Mind Map consists of 3 (three) main components, namely:Central Topic , main or focus of thoughts/issues to be developed, and placed as a "tree".
Main Topic , the second layer of the mind level as part of the Central Topic and placed as "branches" that circle the "tree".
Sub Topic, the third level of mind level as part of the branch and placed as a "twig" (and the next level of mind level)
B. How to Make a Mind Map?
Mind Map can be made manually or by using software. Even though there are no standard provisions, there are several things that can be used as guidelines in compiling a Mind Map, (especially for Mind Maps that are made manually):Starting from the center to determine the Central Topic (defining "trees"), made in landscape form blank paper , accompanied by a color image.
Define the Main Topic (defining “branches”) as an important part of the Central Topic.
Define Sub Topics as "twigs" taken from the Main Topic
Creatively use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your mind map.
Wherever possible use single keywords (maximum 2 words), with capital or lowercase letters.
Use curved lines to connect between Central Topics and Main Topics and Sub Topics. For visual stimulation, use a different color and thickness for each relationship line.
Develop a Mind Map in your own style.
To understand a text, you must first read the text to get a mental image that is comprehensive and meaningful.
Making a Mind Map with the help of software will certainly be more fun. To find the software you need, you can search the internet yourself with the help of Google and you will find various Mind Map software products. One of the software that can be used is the Mind Map software developed by MindMaple (can be downloaded for free here ).
C. What are the benefits of mind maps in learning ?
Mind Map can be used for various purposes, both personal and collaborative. Specifically, in the context of learning, Mind Maps can be used to help students understand, organize and visualize their learning material and activities creatively and attractively.Students can map what was discussed with their friends,
Students can map the process and results of their observations.
Students can map what they read
Students can map what they hear.
Students can map out what they have to present in class, and
Students can map various other learning activities, both with regard to planning, implementation and learning outcomes.
With a Mind Map, students are invited to construct knowledge creatively, according to what they each understand, not blindly copying knowledge.
The use of a Mind Map seems to be quite effective in helping students while taking the Thesis Examination. Such a thick thesis can be reduced in just one or two pages. In fact, at the Faculty of Psychology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta , Mind Map has become a skill that students must master.
For teachers, Mind Map can be used for the purposes of planning, implementing and evaluating learning. In lesson planning, Mind Maps can be used for the benefit of compiling learning designs, both related to the development of teaching materials as well as the development of learning methods and assessments.
In the practice of learning in class, teachers can use Mind Map as a learning medium or integrate it with the learning method used.
source:akhmad