MIND MAPPING

As the name goes mind map is said to be an internal representation of ideas, words via diagram which are surrounded by a central key word. In paraphrase, it is the diagrammatical representation of words, ideas and other items connected together around a central key word.

USES OF MIND MAP
1. It is used when brainstorming.
2. It is used when refreshing memories.
3. When jotting down.
4. It is used for the generation of new products.
5. For planning strategy.
6. For solving problems.
7. For developing a process.
8. It is used by students or individual when disclosing their creative work.
9. It is used for educating people.


STEPS ON HOW TO CREATE A MIND MAP

1. Take a sheet of plain paper and turn it sideways (if using flipchart paper you don't need to turn it sideways - it is large enough);
2. Using colored felt pens, draw a small picture (or write a phrase) in the centre of the paper representing the issue you want to solve;
3. Draw lines out from the main problem (it helps to use different colors for each line).
4. Each line should represent a different aspect of your problem or issue;
5. Write down what each line represents either on top of or on the line;
6. Add other lines flowing off these main lines;
7. Write a word or short phrase on the smaller lines indicating what each new line represents (you may find that mind mapping works best for you if you write down the phrases or draw the images first and then connect them with the lines); and
8. If you want, add images next to your main line that illustrate what each line means to you (some people think better with pictures, others with words).

Steps taken from http://www.jvdcreativity.com/article4.htm

TYPES OF MIND MAPPING
There are basically two types of mind mapping. Viz;

LOGICAL MIND MAPPING
This is a stereotype mind mapping whereby every formulated words or ideas are directly connected or linked to the source which is the keyword at the center.




Here is an example of logical mind mapping and it is a television mind map.


ASSOCIATED MIND MAPPING
This form of mind mapping is different from the logical mind mapping in the sense that it involves thinking out of the circle of the keyword which is at the center i.e linking two different words or idea together e.g

1. Relating the word mortar & pestle to scared outside the stereotype use or function of mortar & pestle known by everyone.
- These objects (mortar & pestle) back in 1840 signify caution for prohibition. The mortar is used for danger that has greater harm i.e any object or area where it is been found shows that the area is dangerous where as the pestle signify less harm therefore any area it was found was considered dangerous but the impact is less. Therefore, people were always scared of the areas where these objects are found.

2. Power: Twenty years ago, these objects signify royalty. The mortar was used as a crown for the king and the pestle was the king's staff. Therefore they were only found in the kings house showing power.

3. Religion: In the year 1920, the mortar was deity for the people as a female god in which all the females worship while the pestle was worshiped by the males as their god.