May 23rd, 2016
Mind Mapping for Vocabulary Learning: How to Remember for Good and Be a Real Wordsmith
A mind map is a strong visual technique which offers a versatile key to unlock the capacity of the brain. Mind mapping for students is especially helpful because it activates the full range of cortical skills, such as word, number, image, rhythm, logic, colour and spatial reasoning, in a separate, unequivocally powerful manner. This technique gives the freedom to wander through the boundless expanses of the brain. The mind mapping can be used in all the aspects of life. It can help to improve clear thinking and learning, enhancing personal performance.
What Is It?
Usually, ideas are listed vertically occupying one or more sheets of paper. In mind mapping technique they are arranged like a web structure. Only one sheet of paper is used, because it forces you to be concise and to focus on the main idea in the centre, while all the other ideas are centred around it. This is a big advantage, while traditional structure makes it easy to miss the main idea and get lost in distracting tangents. You use only one word or phrase for each subject. It may be not so easy in the beginning, however, training to choose one clear, brief keyword has its benefits. You don’t waste your time to find the information needed. It also takes less time to examine the entire map. Moreover, your keywords will instantly shake your memory and develop the desired concept or fact.
Visual Ques
Alongside with keywords, a proper mind map includes colours and images. They help stimulating your brain and simplifying fast recall. It looks childish, however, it really works.
In Lingual Studies
Mind maps are extremely powerful in learning a language. First of all, it is helpful in vocabulary learning. The technique also builds a vivid context before, during and after studying process. Furthermore, it organises your thoughts before writing.
Working with Books
When you read an article or a book, you can compile a mind map which includes all the previously unknown vocabulary. You put the article’s title in the centre of your map. After that you write the words around the title. You can also add synonyms or antonyms, one-word definitions, translations, parts of speech, drawings, etc.
Visual Syllabus
If you work with a teacher or tutor, the mind map can be an agenda for the conversation or a visual tool to help your listening comprehension. After the lesson, you can quickly revise new words or phrases that came up.
Structuring
One more powerful use of mind maps refers to organising your thoughts before writing. The technique significantly reduces writer’s block in both your foreign and native languages. It takes from ten to twenty minutes to make a map, which will save you hours of lost time, when you think about what to put next and changing what is already written.
With mind mapping you keep focus on both significant details and the big picture. At the same time, you don’t get lost in minutiae. When you start writing or when you read, it is easy to loose the main idea. However, with mind mapping for students it is now quick and easy to check the relevance of what their writing, reading or learning.