What is a Mind Map? A mind map is a diagram that organizes information in a radiant structure around a single central topic or idea. Instead of whole sentences, mind maps consist of keywords, short phrases and images.
Mind maps are extremely useful for three main purposes in language learning. At Verbalists, we are always interested in simple learning techniques that help students become more active language learners. Mind mapping is one of them: it can help you build vocabulary, prepare for conversations and organize your ideas before you start writing.
Using Mind Maps to learn vocabulary
When listening to or reading an article, you can make a mind map that includes all previously unknown vocabulary. Put the title of the article in the center of the map, and then fan the words around the center. You can then add one-word definitions, synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, translations, drawings, etc. depending on your learning preferences.
Using Mind Maps to work with teachers and tutors
If you are working with a teacher or tutor online, you can both work from the same mind map. It can act as an agenda for the conversation and as a visual aid for listening and comprehension. After the lesson, you can return to it to review new vocabulary, expressions and ideas that came up. The same approach works just as well in a face-to-face language class.
Using Mind Maps to improve writing
Perhaps the most powerful use of mind maps is organizing your thoughts before you begin writing. Here are some of the writing-specific benefits of mind mapping:
- Greatly reduced writer’s block in both your native and foreign languages. An initial time investment of 10 to 20 minutes often saves hours of lost time thinking about what to write next and second guessing and changing what you have already written.
- Keeping focused on both the big picture and relevant details without getting lost in minutiae. If you just start writing paragraphs, it is easy to forget the main idea you presented in the introduction whilst filling out the details of supporting paragraphs. But if you have a mind map to refer back to you, you can quickly and easily check the relevancy of what you are typing.
If you are working with a teacher or tutor online, you can both work from the same mind map. It can act as an agenda for the conversation and as a visual aid for listening and comprehension. After the lesson, you can return to it to review new vocabulary, expressions and ideas that came up. The same approach works just as well in a face-to-face language class.
The more personal and creative you make your mind map, the easier it is to remember what you have learned. Add colors, drawings, strange associations, examples or anything else that makes sense to you. There really is no “correct” mind map.
And remember, tools like mind maps work best when you actually use the language they help you organize. Explore our language courses worldwide and put that vocabulary, writing and speaking practice to work with Verbalists.
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