Mind Mapping
1. The Definition of Mind Mapping
The mind mapping strategy is one of the teachers’ strategies in
teaching. Not only Mind Maps show facts, but also show the overall
structure of a subject and the relative importance of individual parts of
it. It helps students to associate ideas, think creatively, and make
connections that might not otherwise make (Buzan, 2010). The mind map
strategy can be used to explore almost any topic, though discursive
essays and narrative work particularly well as they front students' ideas
and lend themselves to discussing ideas in groups.
Alamsyah (2009) in Rismanto Journal (2012) explained that
Mind maps work well as their visual design enables students to see the
relationship between ideas, and encourages them to group certain ideas
together as they proceed. Buzan ( 2005: 6) claims that a mind map is a
powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock
the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills –
word, image, number, logic, rhythm, color and spatial awareness – in a
single, uniquely powerful manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom
to roam the infinite expanses of your brain. The Mind Map can be
applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer
thinking will enhance human performance. The brain of human works
to process information through observation, reading or hearing about
something organized as functional relationship between concept and
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keyword. It is not partially separated from each other and is not in
narrative form complete sentences.
The mind mapping strategy can be used to explore almost any
topics in writing and also used in every kind of writing such as:
narrative, descriptive, recount, persuasive, argumentative, essay etc.
Students can improve their ideas and lend themselves to discussing
ideas in groups.
When you use Mind Maps on a daily basis, you will find that
your life becomes more productive, fulfilled, and successful on every
level. There are no limits to the number of thoughts, ideas and
connections that your brain can make, which means that there are no
limits to the different ways you can use Mind Maps to help you.
Buzan(2003:36) explains that, there are some steps to make min
map as follow:
a. Start in the center of a blank page turned sideways.
Because starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread
out in all directions and to express it more freely and naturally.
b. Use an image or picture for your central idea.
Because an image is worth a thousand words and helps you use
your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you
focused, helps you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a
buzz!
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c. Use colors throughout.
Because colors are as exciting to your Brain as are images. Color
adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind Map, adds tremendous
energy to your Creative Thinking, and is fun!
d. Connect your main branches to the central image and connect your
second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc.
Because your Brain works by association. It likes to link two (or
three, or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will
understand and remember a lot more easily.
e. Make your branches curved rather than straight-lined.
Because having nothing but straight lines are boring to your Brain.
f. Use one key word per line.
Single key words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility.
g. Use images throughout.
Each image, like the central image, is also worth a thousand words.
So if you have only 10 images in your Mind Map, it’s already the
equal of 10,000 words of notes!
(http://www.mindmapinspiration.com)