Brain Dump: Using Mind Maps for Topic Development

Margot Hanson, Golden Gate University | WILU Conference, Regina, Saskatchewan, June 2011

Topic development is a difficult concept to teach or learn. Using mind maps can help

students who are visual learners.

Topic development is a difficult concept to teach or learn. Using mind maps can help

students who are visual learners.

Some free or low-cost examples of mind-

mapping tools are in the orange bubbles.

At GGU, we revised our topic development

lessons with an English language program to include mind maps.

With a combination of mind maps to brainstorm possible

topics, and individual librarian appointments, professors

reported that the quality of research paper topics improved.

Experience Experiment!

Mind maps come in many forms, from paper and pencil

to computer software.

For links to tools, sample mind maps, and suggested reading, visit

the online handout: http://bit.ly/braindumpwilu