Thinking through visualization: mind maps and concept maps︎︎︎
Visualization is a technique for creating images and diagrams in order to communicate a message. Mind maps and concept maps were developed in order to help a person, a group, an organization, etc. to begin thinking and communicating or generating ideas from a starting point and branching out to thoughts and ideas by association. In order to create a mind map, you usually start in the middle of the page with the central theme/main idea, and from that point you work outward in all directions to create a growing diagram composed of keywords, phrases, concepts, facts and figures.

It can be used for assignments and essay writing, especially in the initial stages, where it is an ideal strategy to use for your ‘thinking’. Mind mapping can be used for generating, visualizing, organizing, note-taking, problem-solving, decision-making, revising and clarifying your university topic, so that you can get started with assessment tasks. Essentially, a mind map is used to ‘brainstorm’ a topic and is a great strategy for students.