There are a lot of different study techniques out there, and one popular one that students like to use is mind mapping. They were popularised by psychologist Tony Buzan in 1970 and have been used widely ever since. Mind-maps are extremely enjoyable to create, and they are great revision tool that can be utilised for various subjects.

Not sure how they work? Want to implement mind-mapping into your studies this year? This article is for you!

What is a Mind-Map?

A mind-map is a diagram that is used to represent words, phrases and concepts that are linked to a specific topic. It can be used to create new ideas, better understand an existing concept, and develop connections between all aspects of a topic.

The premise is simple. Mind-maps consist of a central idea, which is placed in the centre of the page. Branching out from this are sub sections (usually 4-5), that relate to the main idea in some way or another. You can keep adding layers of branches as suited. Each subheading will have a few supporting statements written underneath it. Mind-maps are a great way to visualise the connections between certain topics, as you can draw lines between ones that link.

Here’s a simple example of what a mind-map can look like.

Of course, there is no right or wrong way to create a mind map, and you should always decide what suits you best. They are commonly created on a sheet of paper, but luckily for us, there are lots of computer programs out there that help create mind-maps seamlessly.

Let’s say that you wanted to create a mind-map on ‘energy’. You would start by writing the word ‘energy’ in the middle of the page, and perhaps have five key subheadings surrounding it, such as ‘types of energy,’ and ‘energy conservation.’ You could then write a few dot points under each of these subheadings and add images as you wish. You can also use lines to connect ideas between subheadings – for example, energy gets converted from one type to another to adhere to the law of conservation of energy.

Mind maps are also a great tool to use for brainstorming essay topics. The essay topic can go in the centre, with the main themes related to it written as subheadings. You can then write all the ideas you have, and sort them out later to write your essay.

Benefits of Creating Mind-Maps

There are many (science-backed) benefits to creating mind-maps, some of which are outlined below.

  • They are very quick and easy to make, compared to taking down notes in a traditional format. There’s no need to fill a mind map with excessive amounts of detail.
  • They help you retain information better, as mind maps are usually colourful and contain images. Diagrams are more easily stored in your brain - researchers have found that studying with mind maps helps boost retention by 10-15%!
  • Mind-maps are a more engaging form of learning, as you are required to brainstorm, generate ideas, and connect concepts all while developing one.
  • It is easy to expand a mind-map and add new information to it, as you can simply add more lines to the page.

One interesting fact is that mind-maps require you to utilise both sides of your brain. The right side of your brain is utilised as you use lines and shapes to create a spatial arrangement of words, while the left side is used as you analytically and logically dissect the topic at hand.

Tips for Creating a Mind-Map

  • The clearer the mind map, the easier it will be for you to locate information. Therefore, try and use different colours to distinguish between certain topics. You can also experiment with different shapes as title boxes.
  • Mind-maps may not be suited for all topics. Sometimes, linear notetaking methods will be much more preferred, especially for topics such as maths. You need to think about how best you learn a subject and your own needs. 
  • Keep phrases short and use abbreviations where possible.
  • You can use a mind map to test everything you know about a topic. Set a timer for 10 minutes and jot down everything that comes to mind. After that time, use your notes to add what you missed (perhaps in a different colour). This will help you visualise what you still need to revise!
  • Have fun with it!

Overall, creating a mind-map is a great way to understand aspects of a topic, but reading over one before an exam is also extremely beneficial. Hopefully this article has inspired you to create some mind-maps for your own revision this year!