Many students struggle to get started on tasks and have difficulty organising their ideas. Mind maps can be an excellent planning tool across the curriculum.

The objective of this unit is to demonstrate the benefits of visual learning as a technique for ordering information so that it makes sense.

The unit illustrates what mind maps can be used for, including brainstorming, planning and revision. It offers tips on making mind maps and looks at the benefits of pen and paper and computer software. There are some examples of mind maps from the Inspiration website (www.inspiration.com).

You can encourage students to explore the potential of mind maps by using the technique yourself in whole-class activities when you might be brainstorming ideas or eliciting key points from the class. You can also use Kidspiration and Inspiration software to create visual learning activities for your students, for example on sorting and categorising information, to revise subject knowledge or to scaffold learning.

Mind-mapping software can also help students to develop and improve writing skills by helping them to structure writing in paragraphs.

Extension

• Use a mind map to record what you have learnt from this unit.
• Make a character map - a character from a story, from history, a scientist or mathematician, an artist.
• Use a mind map to plan a project or investigation.