HomeVisual thinking tools - Maps

Definition of a  A visual thinking tool Map

What is a Map in the context of learning?

A visual thinking tool Map provides a universal key to help unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word, image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite expanses of your brain. The Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance.

Named in the late 1960s by Tony Buzan as a Mind Map these tools are now used by millions of people around the world – from the very young to the very old – whenever they wish to use their minds more effectively. In centuries gone by, individuals like Leonardo Da Vinci were using combinations of word and image in their thinking processes, as can be clearly seen from the note books and sketch pads produced by da Vinci. These were early forms of mapping, and with the enhanced understanding of the workings of the human mind, we are now able to put some order and structure around these types of tools, to dramatically enhance learning.

Similar to a road map, a Visual Thinking Tool Map will:

• Give you an overview of a large subject/area.
• Enable you to plan routes/make choices and let you know where you are going and where you have been.
• Gather and hold large amounts of data for you.
• Encourage problem solving by showing you new creative pathways.
• Enable you to be extremely efficient.
• Be enjoyable to look at, read, muse over and remember.
• Attract and hold your eye/brain.
• Let you see the whole picture and the details at the same time.
• Assist YOU!

A Note from Aulden Dunipace on Mapping and our current relationship with Tony Buzan and the Buzan Organisation.

"The learning partnership and its officers have been linked through history to Tony Buzan and the Buzan organisation with many of our coaches holding master trainer and trainer status unitl the end of 2005. Following the decision in September 2005 by Tony Buzan and his board to pull out of Buzan Ltd, his joint venture with the SI group, dedicated to the education sector in the UK and abroad, The Learning Partnership.com Ltd was formed to continue the work in education both here and abroad.

Whilst I was forming this entity, Tony and I had lengthy positive conversations about TLP continuing its work in education liscenced by Buzan to use the term "Mind Mapping" and continue our excellent developmental work in the field. The Buzan Organisation has very sadly decided that The Learning Partnership.com CIC, as a not for profit organisation, would be too much of a competitive threat to the profitability of both Tony Buzan and the other shareholders of the Buzan Organisation. This view, taken by the senior management team of the Buzan Organisation, led to their decision not to provide a licence to the learning partnership, to use the term "mind map" a trade mark in the UK belonging to Tony Buzan.

Having headed up the education division of Buzan Ltd for the entirety of the joint venture, I believe Tony's claim to that trade mark to be shaky at best, and personally consider it to be in the public domain. As a not for profit organisation however, it would not be in the interests of the learners we work with in state schools here and abroad for us to waste time and resource on such matters. Therefor from this point on all reference to this particular visual thinking tool will will be to "Maps", rather than "mind maps". I believe this to be a great shame, as the interests of the learner are being overlooked by a group of people motivated by profit. The Learning Partnership.com CIC will continue to teach all visual thinking tools to its clients, as part of a brain friendly approach to learning, and I welcome a change of heart from the Buzan organisation, into a space of abundance and win win, allowing us to use the language befitting the tool, rather than be constrained by such decisions."