Branch out: mind-mapping

Mind-mapping is a creative technique to organize information, highlight the key elements and link related concepts in a treelike fashion.  It is more visual and less restrictive than the traditional outlining format.  The graphic representation of a mind map activates both sides of the brain and helps to remember more effectively.  (For more information on mind-mapping, read The Mind Map Book by Tony Buzan and Barry Buzan). 

Mind-mapping can be easily used to supplement outlines or to create additional study aids. Below you can see how I mind-mapped the concept of adverse possession.  The mind map includes a hypothetical to introduce the relevant fact pattern to the right of the main node, the mnemonic for the elements that need to be satisfied, as well as the pictures to anchor these elements.

To create this example, I used a free mind-mapping software written in Java, appropriately called FreeMind.  If you don’t want to download any software, you can go to the Mayomi website that allows you to create a mind map on the site after registering. It can be useful if you work in a computer lab, for example.

To learn about various Web 2.0 sites that can help law students in their learning pursuits, read the Top Law Student blog.