A brain friendly tool to facilitate research-teaching nexus: Mind maps

Abstract

Memorizing and recollecting the contents of long text that has been read is a real challenge. Carrying out research, organizing and associating research ideas are equally challenging. The well-known saying that “A picture is worth a thousand words” is utilized in this teaching and learning process to empower research-minded practice among students. To accomplish this task, the concept of mind mapping is exploited. Researchers point out that visual models such as mind maps are very effective to organize one's thoughts, ideas and findings. Mind map is a graphical representation that mimics how the information flows through the neuronal cells in a way how human brain works. In short, mind map is a brain friendly tool. An attempt has been made to inspect how the concept of mind mapping can assist in expediting the learning experience of students in completing research based assessments successfully, using a mind mapping tool named Xmind.