Mind mapping

Rationale:
- develop ideas overtime (by comparing chronologically created mind maps)
- see the big holistic picture
- externalise thoughts (clarify thoughts, so that you can manipulate it, kindof like writing an essay, you gotta do it, it is the act of writing itself that creates, then one can begin to manipulate the drafts)

Getting started:
- students may have no idea how to do a mindmap.
- this class may take place in the computer lab
- suggest structure (scaffolding)
- Work on the whiteboard for a while, creating a mindmap through brainstorming. Let students see your process of thought.
- Be clear in your instructions. Do you want them to create more major node levels, focus on minor node levels, or a mixture?
- Don't forget to moniter the students.

More detail the better. Can do many drafts to refine planning. Don't get them to do it from the textbook because they will just take the headers and sub headers. Some programs are Mind Manager, Inspiration and Nova Mind.

References:
Computers for mindtools for schools: Engaging critical thinking by David H. Jonassen
US$50 @ Amazon.com

 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0130807095/qid=1094087357/sr=ka-2/ref=pd_ka_2/104-9695258-4824764