Goodbye, flashcards! It’s time to learn in a way that your brain will adore. Studying with mind maps will give you a turbo boost. In this article, I’ll reveal why mind maps are a real game-changer and provide you with 3 techniques to get started.
What are Mind Maps?
Imagine if your brain could speak and sketch its thoughts on paper. The result? A mind map! Mind maps are visual diagrams that organize ideas, words, tasks, or other concepts around a central theme.
They use colors, symbols, and connections to mimic the way our brain processes information. This method was popularized in the 1970s by psychologist Tony Buzan.
In German-speaking regions, the coach and author Vera Birkenbihl also advocated for mind maps as a learning method.
Why Studying with Mind Maps is So Effective
#1 They Mirror the Brain’s Way of Working
Why are mind maps so helpful? The answer lies in how our brain functions. Rather than the dry memorization of linear lists or long blocks of text, our brain prefers to structure information in a networked way, relating different pieces of data.
Mind maps do just that: they start with a central theme and branch out into related areas, similar to how our brain networks information. This method mirrors the natural way we think and learn, thus facilitating the understanding and retention of information.
#2 Visual Stimuli Enhance Memory
Visual stimuli play a crucial role in learning. Images, symbols, and colors are recognized and remembered by our brain faster and more easily than text. Mind maps leverage this so-called picture superiority effect by presenting complex information in a visually appealing and easily understandable form.
When studying with mind maps, integrate not only words and bullet points but also small sketches or symbols into your mind maps. This strategy helps not just to process the learning material better but also to retain it long-term.
#3 Active Learning Instead of Passive Reception
Mind maps transform learning into an active experience. Instead of just absorbing information, they encourage you to actively think through the material, organize it, and convert it into a mind map.
While designing a mind map, you’ll discover how different concepts are interconnected. This process strengthens your critical thinking and your ability to organize complex information and place it into a broader context.
By visualizing connections between different topics in your mind map, you deepen your understanding and make it tangible.
To understand why active learning is far superior to passive learning, you can also check out my tutorial on Active Recall.
#4 Targeted Summarization of Complex Topics with Mind Maps
Mind maps allow you to condense complex subjects and extensive content to the essentials and structure them clearly. Instead of flipping through endless pages of notes, they enable you to quickly dive into the main ideas and key concepts. I have always preferred using mind maps when I needed an overview of a subject area or was preparing a presentation. This way, I always maintained a focus on the bigger picture and structure.
#5 Improved Time Management
Creating mind maps enhances your time management. Thanks to their visual layout, you can easily set priorities, organize your learning objectives, and keep track of your progress. Mind maps serve as visual learning plans. At a glance, you can see which areas have been covered and where there are gaps.
3 Techniques
There are many techniques to elevate your learning with mind maps to the next level. As I mentioned, British psychologist Tony Buzan popularized the mind map in the 1970s. Let’s take a look at his method.
The Buzan Technique
The Buzan technique is based on five central principles that together form the foundation of every effective mind map:
- Start with a Central Topic: Each mind map begins with a single concept placed in the center of your page. This could be the title of your course, the theme of a project, or simply an idea you want to explore.
- Branches for Main Ideas: From this central topic, you draw branches to the main points or key ideas associated with it. These branches should be large enough to later add sub-ideas.
- Sub-branches for Details: Each main branch can have further branches that contain details, examples, evidence, or other relevant information. The deeper you go, the more specific the information becomes.
- Use Keywords and Images: A single word or image can often represent a complex idea or concept. Buzan recommends using keywords and images wherever possible to make your thoughts more efficient and enhance your memory.
- Connections and Links: Draw lines or arrows to show connections between different parts of your mind map. This helps you see how ideas are interconnected and fosters a deeper understanding of the subject.
Additional Techniques
The original method developed by Tony Buzan has since been expanded and adapted for various purposes.
For instance, there is the Rico Cluster by Dr. Gabrielle Rico. Here, you link your ideas as a network rather than starting from a central key concept. This is intended to support the normal communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
The previously mentioned Vera F. Birkenbihl worked with her KAWA method. A KAWA is created when you find associations for the initial letters of your starting word. To better understand, let’s create a KAWA on the topic of Marketing.
- M – Market Research
- A – Audience Analysis
- R – Rebranding
- K – Customer Retention
- E – Engagement in Social Media
- T – Testimonials from Customers
- I – Influencer Marketing
- N – Neuromarketing
- G – Contests and Promotions
This method is particularly helpful for brainstorming. Are you still looking for a topic for your next term paper? Using the KAWA method, you can generate additional ideas.
I believe that there isn’t ONE correct method. You need to find out for yourself what works best for you.
After all, each mind map reflects YOUR thought processes. The more you stick to a step-by-step guide, the more it may constrain your own thoughts. I recommend just getting started and experimenting.
Studying with Mind Maps: How to Become a Pro
Remember, your mind map is not fixed. Rather, it accompanies you during your learning process and allows you to be flexible.
As you absorb new information or come up with new ideas, whether through reading, listening, or discussing, you can gradually expand your mind map.
It’s important that your mind map remains dynamic and evolves with your understanding and thoughts. However, you should ensure that it doesn’t become too cluttered and that you maintain focus.
Whenever I wanted to learn a topic, I always liked to start with a mind map to keep an overview, and then created additional mind maps related to relevant companies or topics.
In the end, I didn’t have just one mind map, but perhaps eight different ones. These represented my natural thought processes much better than flashcards or linear notes could.
For exam preparation, you could use questions as the central point of a mind map. For example: “How can companies use the concept of ‘Customer Lifetime Value’ to build long-term customer relationships and increase revenue?”
Around this central question, a mind map can be built. This approach ensures that you’re not just memorizing a text answer, but gradually expanding your thoughts, discovering new connections, and developing a deeper understanding of the topic.
Digital Mind Map Tools vs. Old-School Mind Mapping on Paper
Okay, but should you now use digital mind map tools or create your mind map old-school with paper and pen?
Digital Tools for Creating Mind Maps
Welcome to the digital age of mind maps! With tools like MindNode, XMind, Coggle, and even ChatGPT, you can incorporate multimedia content into your mind maps. Whether it’s images, links, videos, or documents—all these can help make your mind map vibrant and informative. This is especially useful if you are a visual learner or want to use your mind map as the basis for a presentation.
Many digital mind map tools offer features for real-time collaboration. This means you and any team members can work on the same mind map simultaneously, no matter where you are.
This is a game-changer for group projects and joint learning sessions! Plus, your mind maps are less likely to get lost in a pile of papers since everything is stored digitally.
Old-School Mind Mapping
And yet… sometimes less is more. There’s something satisfying about bringing your ideas to life directly with pen on paper and visualizing your thought processes.
This method fosters creativity and can help you process information better. No distractions from notifications or dead batteries—just you and your thoughts.
Additionally, with old-school mind mapping on paper, you have complete freedom in design. You’re not confined to the structures or designs of software, and you can make your mind maps as simple or complex as you like.
It’s all about what works for you. You might even find that a mix of both—digital for university projects and paper for your personal brainstorming sessions—is the best solution for you.
Experiment a bit and find your own way to make the most out of studying with mind maps for yourself.
The goal is to feel organized and enjoy learning. So, grab your pen or tablet and give it a try.