Dynamic Learning: Mindmaps

The next in our popular Dynamic Learning series of Study Skills films is Mindmapping, a note-taking technique originally popularised by Tony Buzan in the 1970’s. Despite the huge number of dauntingly complicated and confusing examples splattered across the Internet, it’s a technique that’s actually simple to learn and apply once you understand four simple principles outlined in the film.

Mindmapping is what’s called a visual note-taking technique and if you’re accustomed to taking linear notes they might take a bit of getting used to. This is because Mindmaps let you combine text and images across a single page in a way that dual-codes information. When done correctly, research has shown this can significantly improve your ability to remember and recall information because linking verbal and visual information helps to encode it in memory.

While Mindmaps aren’t particularly great for taking notes in fast-moving situations like lectures, where you don’t always have the time to think carefully, they’re really useful when you do have time to reflect, such as taking notes from a textbook or putting your lecture notes in order.

This makes them ideal for things like brainstorming and problem-solving where the focus on a single topic and connecting key ideas helps you develop and evaluate your thoughts along different branches of the map. These are things that can help you in high-pressure situations like exams, where the ability to quickly generate ideas and solve the problems posed in exam questions will help you achieve your best possible grade.