Today I will talk about one of the simplest and most reliable ways to increase the impact of learning a language (and at the same time the assimilation of texts) - the use of mental maps.
To use this technique, you will need three things:
- A short text in a foreign language.
- Getting to know . In this case, especially for beginners learning a language, it will be more convenient to draw a map using a computer - for example, in Mind42.
- Convenient dictionary with voiceover - for example Yandex.
Your level of language proficiency will play a big role in the technique of using mental maps. Therefore, I will give two instructions - for beginners and advanced.
A. Instructions for Beginners
Break the text into paragraphs, number them and do the following for each paragraph.
- Place the paragraph number in the center of the map.
- Draw the main branches diverging from the center - the serial numbers of sentences in the paragraph (combine short sentences with those closest in meaning).
- Now from each branch denoting a sentence, draw sub-branches - the words of the sentence. Having finished drawing a branch with a sentence, organize the words in it according to meaning - for example, the main branches can be the subject or predicate, and words associated with them can branch off from them (see example below).
- For each word, write a translation using a dictionary, and then listen to how the word sounds. Modern dictionaries are able to identify most derived forms of a word and return you the original.
Example: my mental map of the first paragraph of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Die vier kunstreichen Brüder.
Original text:
Mind map (click to enlarge):
As you can see from this map, even one paragraph of text contains much more information than we think.
B. Instructions for advanced
Break the text into small passages according to meaning and do the following with each passage.
- Choose the central theme of the passage, label it with a keyword, and place it in the center of the map.
- Draw the main branches radiating from the center - the main ideas contained in the passage.
- Now from each branch draw sub-branches - keywords, arranging them according to their meaning until you reach the level of detail you need.
- Provide translations for unclear words.
Example: my mind map instructions for creating mind maps from the book Use Your Head: How to unleash the power of your mind by Tony Buzan.
What should we do next?
In fact, you have already completed the main part of the work. As a result, you have a set of mental maps, each of which not only lists the words used in the text, but visualizes them in a semantic and thematic context, thereby significantly increasing their memorability. In addition, using these cards you can restore the content of the text and repeat new words at any time.
Reviewing the mind maps you've created periodically will make the results even better, because memorability depends so much on repetition. Tony Buzan, the author of the idea of mental maps, recommends refreshing the studied material in your memory 10 minutes after finishing work, and then after a day, a week, a month and six months. In this case, he claims, one hundred percent assimilation of the material is ensured.
Another interesting use of the resulting cards for language learning is the game of catena, which I will talk about next time.
A few notes
Reading is the easiest way we have to learn a language. It naturally motivates us to find out what's next, while giving us the opportunity to stop at any time to delve deeper into the text or work with new words. However, the problem is that reading a foreign language requires some effort.
Mental maps, paradoxically, are not an additional burden here, but, on the contrary, a means of reducing it. Visualizing the content of the text according to a certain scheme helps to slow down reading, thereby giving us a break, and at the same time switching attention from internal, mental reproduction and translation of the text to its external, visual fixation, which is much easier. Among other things, fixing the text in the form of a mental map eliminates the need to constantly keep its content in our heads - we can always remember where we left off.
Some might argue that you can simply write down new words as you read without any mental maps. There is one subtle point here. Our memory is designed in such a way that information is remembered in context (I wrote about this in detail). If we try to memorize new words without their context, we have a low chance of success. Creating a mental map is about fixing a context, a framework on which new words can be easily strung.
A mental map, mind map (intellectual, mental map, associogram) is a summary, but not a boring and tedious text with abbreviations, but a “spontaneous” and bright, drawn summary. A mind map is a natural expression of how a child's brain works. This is literally a mind map, the compilation of which involves:
Immediate memory
Associative thinking,
Creative thinking.
A mind map allows a pathway to be opened for creative and innovative thoughts based on the multi-faceted nature of words and reality, therefore giving the child's brain the opportunity to express in a SIMPLE yet COMPLEX way its individuality.
A mental map allows you to cover and formulate any phenomenon as widely as possible. Like a road map, a mental map helps
Take in many objects and phenomena with your gaze,
Allows you to outline or select a route, suggest where you are going,
Contains a large amount of data,
Helps solve problems, suggests new ways for creativity,
Pleasing to the eye,
Attracts baby's eyes and brain.
Invented smart cards Tony Buzan- psychologist, specialist in the field of self-improvement - development of memory, thinking, etc.
Smart cards can be used to:
1. memorization
2. organizing and systematizing information
3. activity planning
4. preparation for performances
5. finding solutions in a difficult situation
6. consideration of various options for solving problems.
During its existence, smart maps have gone through their own development path. Therefore, Tony Buzan himself gives slightly different instructions for creating mind maps in different sources.
Classic mind maps are created this way:
1. Place a blank sheet of paper horizontally (preferably A4). We use multi-colored pens, felt-tip pens, markers, and pencils. Using an eraser is not recommended. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of using several colors. Tony Buzan recommends at least three.
2. In the center of the sheet we draw a central image that will symbolize the topic with which the work begins, both on the map and in our thoughts. You don't have to be able to draw. You can present the idea schematically, use clippings from old magazines, other people's drawings. The main thing is to show your imagination. We carefully draw out the essential details. IMAGINATION will help you create drawings, and we know that thousands of words can be expressed in one drawing, thus saving the time and effort that would be required to write down those words. Moreover, pictures are remembered better than words. Drawings can be colorful or sketchy, painted or black and white. It all depends on the creator of the mind map.
4. From the central image we draw branches on which we write the most important keywords and thoughts related to this topic. Each branch should contain one word or thought. To emphasize the importance of these branches (after all, they are directly in contact with this topic!) we make them thicker. We write in block letters.
5. From the thick branches we similarly draw thinner branches that clarify the main thoughts. Make associations to keywords. The number of thin branches is not limited - there can be as many of them as ideas arise. The more branches, the smaller the font! This creates an “octopus” or “tree”.
For students more advanced in computer technology, we can recommend creating mind maps using Mind Manager Pro 6, Concept Draw Mind Map Pro 4.5, Edraw Mind map. These are great programs with lots of symbols and designs.
Mind maps can be modified and adapted depending on the goals and objectives set for students.
A hand-drawn and colored map, in addition to vision, involves the muscle sense, which contributes to better memorization, which is very important for working with new vocabulary. It is more convenient to retell the text using a map, which serves as a support and visual logic for the retelling.
The card making activity can be used at any stage of the lesson, as well as at home. Mind maps can be used for brainstorming, teaching new vocabulary, summarizing, retelling, summarizing all the topics that need to be repeated or that we are currently studying, planning, etc. to enhance speech and thinking activity.
Tony Buzan believes that you can create maps for any reason, on any topic. Be it interests, hobbies, friends, stages of growth, achievements, family, school, thoughts, books and cartoons. And doing this is interesting and pleasant, as opposed to linearly recording information.
Using mind maps in training:
In English lessons we create mind maps in one way or another depending on the topic, goals and objectives. In any case, mind maps are a visual way of presenting information when a concept is written in the center, from which associations or related concepts extend as rays. These diagrams are very similar to the sun, so students call them “suns”. “Sunny” sounds much more positive and inspiring than a spidergram (as this kind of scheme is called in English methodological literature):
It can mini-maps for a visual representation of, for example, a phrasal verb. You can quickly draw them in class. The verb is written in the center, the prepositions with which it is used extend like rays from it, and under the prepositions the new meaning that the verb has acquired is written. It is recommended to write English and Russian words in different colors so that you can easily focus on one or the other language if necessary.
It can be cards on a specific lexical topic. Then these cards look like huge suns with many rays. For some, they look more like trees. The taste of compiling and visual appeal of mind maps comes with experience, because... Students are faced with the task of collecting all the vocabulary on one topic together, distributing it into groups (if possible), and showing these connections graphically (for many this causes difficulty). It is recommended to write down not just words, but phrases based on topics. Under each word or phrase, a translation is written with a different pen or pencil.
It can be support cards for retelling the text. Then the title of the text or its main idea is written in the center. Next, phrases are written out using rays. A certain sequence is built between them using arrows and lines.
A mind map as homework can be aimed at repeating vocabulary and retelling text. If a mind map is drawn at home, then instead of translating words, you can use drawings, diagrams, icons, cut-out pictures, i.e. add a personal component.
Mind maps are good for summarizing a topic, problem, question.
Mind maps are a great tool for brainstorming.
Mind maps are a planning aid.
The result of using mind maps in lessons:
Mind map - involuntary memorization using key elements. Key elements become anchors to which associative memory clings when reproducing information. As a result, much less effort is spent than with rote memorization (cramming).
Information is remembered having already been learned (understood), connections are established with other knowledge, concepts, topics., which significantly enhances the efficiency of memorization and develops children’s thinking and memory.
The mind map acts as a support for quickly updating the necessary lexical units after a long break. (And we know that what is not actively used passes from an active form to a passive one). A mind map allows you to quickly transform a passive form into an active one, i.e. if necessary, recall and encourage the use of LE.
A mind map allows you to see information in your mind's eye. It sort of sorts out the entire volume of information and at the same time allows you to keep a large amount of information in your field of view.
Mind maps offer a new approach to brainstorming and stimulate the rapid generation of ideas. The ideas generated are more original and effective. It is easy to trace the relationships between ideas and the search for alternative solutions. A mind map makes it easier to implement new ideas in the future, and can also be an effective tool for improving ideas for future use.
A mental map gives the child a complete picture that ties into a single whole the themes and phenomena that are depicted on it.. For a child, it is a wonderful tool for developing memory, creative thinking, and analysis.
The range of uses of memory cards in English lessons is wide:
1) Working with phonetic material
2) Working with lexical material
3) Working with grammatical material.
4) Working with text material.
5) Training in oral monologue statements.
6) Presentation of the results of project activities.
7) Preparation for the State Exam and the Unified State Exam.
8) Conducting discussions and debates.
Drawing Mind Maps
Saves 50 to 70% of time spent on recording.
Three times more fun than just planning.
Helps to focus on essential issues rather than secondary issues.
Multi-colored and multi-dimensional “drawn” information is remembered better by the student.
Stimulates the ability to create.
At the moment there are many online programs for constructing mental maps. Below are links to the most famous of them. One of the most convenient is spiderscribe.net.
Its advantages:
1. Free.
2. Easy to use.
3. It is possible to add pictures, documents, maps, etc.
4. You can save it as a picture in jpg or png format, or print it.
Zakarian Maria Mikhailovna,
at English teacher GBOU secondary school No. 471
Vyborg district of St. Petersburg
The second generation Federal State Educational Standard is based on a system-activity approach, the purpose of which is personal development. This approach to teaching is aimed at the development of each student and the formation of his individual abilities. Any assimilation of knowledge is based on the student’s assimilation of educational actions, having mastered which, the student would be able to assimilate knowledge independently, using various sources of information.
The main goal of the system-activity approach is to teach children to learn, i.e. absorb and process information. At the present stage of development of society, the volume of information is so great that students inevitably have to deal with certain requirements for memory, the ability to solve problems and analyze complex data. If you put in less effort, most of the information will remain unlearned. Persistence leads to a decrease in performance, and study, as a result, is associated with boredom and constant fatigue.
The goal of every teacher is to interest students in their subject and create a desire to master it. A student’s need to study a subject depends, among other things, on what teaching methods the teacher uses.
Mental maps (mind maps, associative maps, associogram, thinking patterns, originally “MindMaps”), developed by psychologist Tony Buzan, are one of the techniques of critical thinking technology. It is a visual way of presenting information that shows connections between concepts. To put it simply, this is a diagram in the center of which there is a keyword/picture and branches (categories, basic concepts) extend from it in different directions, branching into branches (items, sub-items). The end result is something like a web or a root system. You can draw a map on a computer using special programs or simply on a sheet of paper. The second option is preferable, because in this case the content of the mental map is remembered even better, and it becomes truly unique. Thanks to the use of colors, patterns and spatial connections, any information is perceived, analyzed and remembered much faster and more efficiently.
Tony Busan also described certain rules for creating memory maps.
1. The main idea, problem or word is located in the center. Buzan attaches almost the main importance to highlighting the keyword of the associative chain
2. To depict the central idea, you can use drawings and pictures.
3. Each main branch has its own color.
4. Only colored pencils, markers, etc. are used to create maps.
5. The main branches are connected to the central idea, and the branches of the second, third, etc. order are connected to the main branches.
6. Branches should be curved, not straight (like tree branches).
7. Only one keyword is written above each line-branch.
8. For better memorization and assimilation, it is advisable to use drawings, pictures, associations about each word.
Mind maps can be used:
To work with grammatical material (with the help of a map you can represent any grammatical rule or construction, while all exceptions, special cases, as well as examples of application can be separated into separate branches and emphasis placed on them)
For work With lexical material, the volumes of which are not so small.
To work with phonetic material
To work with text material
In preparation for oral monologue statement
When presenting results project activities .
In my work, I most often use MindMaps when working with vocabulary. This is a very convenient and effective technique for repeating, updating and systematizing vocabulary on a topic. Mind maps help make the process of expanding your vocabulary more interesting and fun.
Benefits of Mind Maps
- comfortable in use
- show communications between phenomena logic thinking
- contribute to better memorization information
- put together large amount of data
- develop creativity, thinking
The use of mind maps in English lessons allows you to:
1. Create motivation to master a foreign language as a means of communication.
2. Organize individual, group and collective activities.
3. Implement a differentiated approach to students.
4. Organize project activities for schoolchildren. A mind map can be used to present the results of project activities.
5. Teach to use specialized dictionaries and reference books in order to master new language tools, increase the amount of knowledge of a profile-oriented nature (in particular, terminology).
In the modern world with a large flow of information, the use of mental maps in education can bring enormous positive results, as children learn to select, structure and remember key information, as well as reproduce it in further learning and communication. Mental maps help develop creative and critical thinking, memory and attention, as well as make the learning and learning processes more interesting, entertaining and fruitful. One of the main benefits of mind maps is that they can be used to teach any topic and with children of almost any age.
Sources:
2. Buzan Tony and Barry. Super thinking. Medley.- M, 2007
3. Buzan Tony. Memory cards. Use your memory 100%. M., 2007
What are Mind Maps? These are maps that contain structured information on a specific topic. Clear, convenient, clear, in one place. This tool allows you to fit large amounts of information on one sheet. Agree that this will save a lot of time and allow you to quickly find what you need. If only you knew how this system frees your head and allows you to focus on what is most important!
What is "Mind Maps - "English in your pocket"?"
- A convenient tool for learning English
- The most frequently used topics in the language
- Expressions and words for every day
- Effective memorization of new expressions and words
- Ready-made clichés, learned them and went to speak
- Over 500 useful words and expressions
- More than 150 situations to practice with translation and keys
- 10 maps in electronic (PDF) version that you can print
- 10 videos and audios with pronunciation and translation
- 10 training exercises for introducing phrases into your head with keys
What is included:
10 maps 10 maps with words and expressions, selected on various topics:
1. At the hotel (at the hotel)
2. Traveling (travel)
3. Shopping (shopping trip)
4. Renting a car (car rental)
5. Everyday English (English for every day)
6. In the city (in the city)
7. Health and medicine (health and medicine)
8. Eating out (in a restaurant)
9. Meeting new people (meeting new people)
10. Irregular verbs (irregular verbs)
10 videos and audios with pronunciation and translation.
This will allow you:
- Pronounce words and expressions together with the announcer
- Learn expressions with correct intonation
- It is easier to learn material based on visual and auditory memory
- Listen and watch recordings anywhere
- Load material into the brain faster
10 training exercises.
Thanks to which you will be able to:
- Check how well you have learned the material
- Practice already learned expressions
- Repeat workouts at any time
- Translate your knowledge into speaking skills
- Learn to use words and sentences correctly in context
- Expressions will jump out of your head automatically (subject to systematic training and repetition)
Who is the Mind Maps course "English in your pocket" for?
If you are still not 100% sure how to translate the following expressions:
- You are sure?
- Do you agree?
- Let's go somewhere in the evening?
- I'm sick, my throat hurts.
-Have you ever been to Tahiti?
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- These shoes are too big for me, do you have a smaller size?
- where can I refuel the car?
- Bring me another glass, please.
- Breakfast included?
- How can I get to the center?
- Fasten your seat belt.
- How much does this shirt cost?
- Do you have the same belt, but in a different color?
- The hairdryer doesn't work.
and many many others…
Then you just need this simple and effective tool that will always be with you.
Screenshots:
Year: 2013
Marina Kiseleva
Format: pdf, mp3, mp4
1. At the hotel (at the hotel)
Size: 90 MB.
2. Traveling (travel)
Size: 87 MB.
3. Shopping (shopping trip)
Size: 108 MB.
4. Renting a car (car rental)
Size: 66 MB.
5. Everyday English (English for every day)
Size: 91 MB.
6. In the city (in the city)
Size: 100 MB.
7. Health and medicine (health and medicine)
I always liked how in American detective stories or films about the Tsars, such a map always hangs during an investigation. and the feeling that the work is in full swing and the picture is clear before your eyes, which means not a single detail will escape attention. (With) nyuta_summer
Information is located radial way. From the same key concepts come semantic ramifications, forming semantic blocks. Neurons in our brain are connected in a similar way.
Mind maps are a very useful tool for conducting presentations, decision making, planning your time, memorizing large amounts of information, brainstorming, self-analysis, developing complex projects, personal training, development.
Principles and laws for drawing up such maps
During the learning process, the following are primarily stored in the brain:
. knowledge acquired at the beginning of the educational process (“primary perception effect”);
. knowledge acquired at the end of the educational process (“recent perception effect”);
. any information connected through association with knowledge stored in memory, or otherwise tied to certain aspects of the subject being studied;
. any information presented in such a way that emphasis is made, i.e. emphasis on its significance or uniqueness in some way;
. any information that causes heightened perception through any of the five senses;
. information of particular interest to the learner.
Dr. Howe's research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of note-taking. Effectiveness was assessed by how well students were able to extract information from their notes, thereby demonstrating the degree of understanding of the material learned. The subjects were also tested on their ability to repeat what they had learned from their notes, in order to ensure complete and meaningful answers under exam-like conditions, i.e., when no reference material is available.
At the physiological level, every bit of information entering the brain - every sensation, memory or thought - including every word, number, taste, smell, line, color, rhythmic beat, note, tactile sensation of touching an object - can be represented in the form of a central spherical object, from which tens, hundreds, thousands and millions of branches diverge . Each stem of a branch represents an association, and each association, in turn, has an almost infinite number of connections with other associations. Therefore, it is natural to organize the received information in the same way.
The principles of drawing are very simple
1. The central image, symbolizing the main idea, is drawn in the center of the sheet.
2. Branches of the first level depart from the central image, on which words are written associated with key concepts that reveal the central idea.
3. If necessary, branches of the 2nd level of disaggregation depart from the branches of the first level, revealing the ideas written on the branches of the 1st level.
4. If possible, use the maximum number of colors to draw the map.
5. Wherever possible, add pictures, symbols, and other graphics associated with keywords.
6. If necessary, draw arrows connecting different concepts on different branches.
7. For greater clarity, we number the branches and add halos.
Laws of content and design
. Use emphasis, i.e. accent
. Associate.
. Strive for clarity in expressing your thoughts.
. Develop your own style.
Laws of structure
. Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts.
. Use a number sequence to express your thoughts.
List of Mind Map Laws
==Laws of content and design
1. Use emphasis
. Always use a central image.
. Use graphic images as often as possible.
. For the centerpiece, use three or more colors.
. Give the image volume more often, and also use raised letters.
. Use synesthesia (a combination of all types of emotional and sensory perception).
. Vary letter sizes, line thickness, and graphics scale.
. Strive for optimal placement of elements on the mind map.
. Strive to ensure that the distance between the elements of the mind map is appropriate.
2. Associate
. Use arrows when you need to show connections between elements of a mind map.
. Use colors.
. Use information coding.
. Stick to the principle: one keyword per line.
. Use block letters.
. Place keywords above relevant lines.
. Make sure that the length of the line is approximately equal to the length of the corresponding keyword.
. Connect lines to other lines and make sure that the main branches of the map connect to the central image.
. Make the main lines smoother and bolder.
. Use lines to delimit blocks of important information.
. Make sure your drawings (images) are as clear as possible.
. Hold the paper horizontally in front of you, preferably in the landscape position.
. Try to place words horizontally.
4. Develop your own style
1. Use emphasis
The ability to highlight what is significant, to place emphasis on something, in other words, to use emphasis, as we have seen so far, is one of the most important factors for success in improving memory and creative capabilities. All relevant techniques can be applied to associations, and vice versa. The following laws will allow you to achieve the greatest success in your mind mapping activities.
Always use a central image
The graphic image is automatically placed in the focus of your vision, and therefore your brain. It gives birth to numerous associations and is extremely effective as a factor promoting better memory. In addition, the image attracts, and at several levels of perception at once. It catches your eye and attracts your attention.
If a word is central to your mind map, it can be transformed into an image, taking advantage of the dimensionality, color palette, and attractive shape.
Use graphic images as often as possible
Using graphic imagery whenever possible provides all the benefits described above, plus an effective balance between your visual and verbal cortical abilities, improving your ability to perceive the visual world.
If you decided to temporarily put aside your complex that you are a bad draftsman and tried to draw, say, a butterfly, then your first drawing might seem completely unsatisfactory to you. The upside, however, is that you've given it a try, and the next time you see a butterfly, you'll want to take a closer look at it so you can remember it and then put the image on paper.
So, using images, that is, your drawings, you will gain a new perspective on things and a desire to improve your ability to depict real objects. Your eyes will literally open to the world around you!
For the central image, use three or more colors
Colors stimulate memory and creativity and help you avoid the dangers of static monotony. Colors add life to your drawings and make them more attractive.
Give the image volume more often, and also use raised letters
A three-dimensional image makes objects appear convex, and anything that looks convex is better perceived and remembered. Thus, the most important elements of your mind map can be emphasized especially by drawing in volume or writing in raised block letters.
Vary letter sizes, line thickness, and graphics scale
Varying the size of objects, words, or images on a mind map is the best way to indicate their relative importance within a particular hierarchy. In addition, a large object is noticeable and easier to remember.
Strive for optimal placement of elements on the mind map
Optimal placement of elements improves the overall perception of the mind map, helps organize hierarchies, makes the mind map open to additions, and improves its aesthetic qualities.
Strive to ensure that the distance between the elements of the mind map is appropriate
Leaving empty space around the elements of a mind map gives it the appearance of an orderly and complete structure. Moreover, the white space around elements can be just as important as the elements themselves. For example, in the Japanese art of flower arranging (ikebana), one of the secrets of a beautiful bouquet is choosing the right distance between individual flowers. Similarly, in music, pauses often play a significant role. For example, Beethoven's famous Fifth Symphony begins with a pause, or silent note.
2. Associate
The ability to use associations is one of the most important factors in improving memory and creativity. Associations are a tool through which our brain adequately perceives the real world, correlating our current perceptions with previous experiences, and, in addition, is the key that unlocks the doors to the recesses of memory and thinking.
Once the central image and basic ordinal ideas have been identified, associations can lead you to the most hidden depths of knowledge about the subject of your interest.
As already noted, any technique used for better functioning of the associative apparatus can also be used to enhance emphasis (highlighting the main thing), and vice versa.
. Use arrows when you need to show connections between elements of a mind map
The eye spontaneously follows the arrows in the direction they point, thereby discovering the connection between the individual elements of the mind map. Arrows can be unidirectional, bidirectional, vary in length, thickness, shape; 3D arrows can also be used. Their main purpose is to give direction to thoughts.
. Use colors
Color plays the role of one of the most important means of improving memory and creativity. Choosing the right colors to code when creating a mind map will provide you with quicker access to information, allow you to better remember information, and will help increase the number and range of your creative ideas. Color codes and symbols can be used both in individual work with mind maps and in group work.
. Use information coding
Codes allow you to provide instant communication between different parts of your mind map, no matter how far apart they are in space. The codes may be ticks, crosses, circles, triangles, etc., or they may take a much more complex form (see Illustration III).
Codes also allow you to save a lot of time. For example, you can develop your own system of easy-to-remember codes and use it in all your notes and notes in order to identify people, phenomena, processes, etc. that you often mention.
With the skillful use of a palette of colors, sets of symbols, shapes and images, codes contribute to a clearer and clearer organization of categories and hierarchies. They are also useful for linking some special data (for example, biographical information) to a mind map.
3. Strive for clarity in your expression
The unclear expression of a thought makes it difficult to perceive. If you take notes in your usual fluent handwriting, it is more of a hindrance than an aid to your memory; in doing so, you hinder rather than promote the associative nature of your thinking, as well as the fact that your thoughts are clear both to you and to other people.
Stick to the principle: one keyword per line
Each single word can generate thousands of associations. By marking a line with one word, you provide yourself with associative freedom, just as a lever can be given additional freedom of movement in space by providing it with additional hinges. Formulations that are important to you are not lost, and all possible variations are not lost either. (For a more detailed discussion on this topic, see the paragraph “The belief that more can be said in a phrase than in one word”)
Use block letters
Printed letters have a standard, readable shape, which makes them easier for your brain to photograph. The time spent on writing block letters is more than offset by the benefits they bring, namely faster formation of associations and faster recall. The use of block letters also stimulates the desire for conciseness and brevity. In addition, the fact that a word is written in uppercase or lowercase letters can serve as an indicator of the relative importance of the words in the mind map.
Place keywords above relevant lines
A line, or branch, serves as a “skeleton” on which “flesh” is put in the form of words, images, codes, etc. With the help of branches, the mind map acquires structural organization and accuracy; How the branches are organized will determine whether the map will be clear and easy to remember. Branches also stimulate the search for new associations and, in the process, further development of the mind map.
Make sure that the length of the line is approximately equal to the length of the corresponding keyword
This law allows words to be placed closer to each other, thereby facilitating faster association. Additionally, the space saved allows you to include more information in your mind map.
Connect lines to other lines and make sure that the main branches of the map connect to the central image
By connecting the lines in your mind map, you thereby ensure the coherence of your thoughts. Lines can be modified into arrows, curves, loops, circles, ovals, triangles, polygons - in a word, they can be transformed into figures of any shape that suits your taste.
Make the main lines smoother and bolder
Through emphasis, bold lines automatically signal to your brain that the ideas and concepts associated with them are important. If you use the benefits of a mind map for any research purposes, during the process of creating a mind map, you may find that peripheral ideas turn out to be more significant than those that were originally central. In such cases, nothing prevents you from making the corresponding lines bold. Slightly curvy, smooth, hand-drawn lines are more in keeping with the spirit and purpose of a mind map than those drawn with a ruler.
Use lines to delimit blocks of important information
When a block of information is bordered by a closed line, this gives it a border that has its own unique shape. This shape can then be used as a powerful association to help recall the information contained in the block in question. For experienced mind mappers using mnemonics, these forms can become “living pictures” that dramatically increase the likelihood of recalling the necessary information.
Make sure your drawings (images) are as clear as possible
External clarity of the image is a necessary condition for the clarity hidden behind the image of thought (internal clarity). A clear, reader-friendly mind map is also always more elegant and aesthetically pleasing.
Hold the paper horizontally in front of you, preferably in landscape position
A horizontal (landscape) layout of the paper gives you more freedom and space to create a mind map than a vertical (portrait) layout of a sheet of paper. People who are not experienced enough in working with mind maps often rotate the paper in front of them instead of actively moving their hand and pencil. Although this usually has little effect on the quality of the mind map, reading the map after completing work on it may require bending of the head and body, which is suitable only for an experienced yogi!
Try to place words horizontally
Laying the words horizontally allows your brain to quickly access the information contained in the mind map, and this applies to both the angle at which the lines are drawn and the spelling of the words. If you draw mostly horizontal lines, your map will be much easier to read. When drawing lines, try to ensure that their maximum angle of deviation from the horizontal does not exceed 45.
4. Develop your own style, while strictly observing the laws of mind maps
As has been noted many times, each of us is a unique creation. Because of this, the mind maps we create should reflect the unique thinking structure of our brains; and the better this is done, the easier it is for the brain to communicate with them and acquire further skill.
In order to develop your own unique style, you must adhere to the “1+” rule. This means that each mind map you create should be a little more elegant, a little more voluminous, contain a little more imaginative play, be a little more associatively logical and a little more beautiful than the previous one.
This will ensure continuous improvement in all your mental abilities. Over time, you will learn to create mind maps that you will want to return to again and again and that you will use to great advantage in your professional and personal life. In addition, the less outside help you need when creating mind maps, the better you will be at remembering the information contained in them.
==Laws of structure
1. Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts
As discussed in Chapter 9, using hierarchies and categories in the form of basic ordinal ideas greatly enhances the potential of the mind maps you create.
2. Use a number sequence to express your thoughts.
If you are creating a mind map while working on a specific intellectual task, such as preparing a speech, an article, or a project report, you will most likely want to outline your thoughts and convey them to your listeners or readers in a specific order. whether chronologically or in order of increasing importance of ideas.
To achieve this, it is enough to mark the branches of the map with the corresponding serial numbers. Instead of numbers, you can use letters of the alphabet. In either case, giving concepts or pieces of information the order in which they should be presented will result in a more logical presentation.
