Using Mind Maps as a Teaching and Learning Tool

"Mind mapping" can be an excellent tool for creating learner engagement, according to Prof Genevieve Pinto Zipp of Faculty Focus (2011):

Creating an environment that engages students in the learning journey is not always easy. Sometimes as faculty members we ask ourselves, “Are we taking this learning journey by ourselves?” Several years ago as I began my scholarly exploration of the utility of mind mapping as a teaching and learning tool to foster critical thinking, my colleague and I instituted a mind mapping learning activity which has helped to promote student engagement in the classroom.

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I have been using mind mapping software, both in and out of the classroom, since the 1980's. I currently use MindManager (Mindjet) as my brainstorming platform of choice. See below an example of a personal mind map I use on a daily basis to keep record and track of my goals, tasks, and responsibilties. I view MindManager as the "missing application" in the Microsoft Office suite.

Example "Mind Map" [click image to expand]

Source: Zipp, G P (2011, September 6), Using Mind Maps as a Teaching and Learning Tool to Promote Student Engagement, Faculty Focus.