When we reflect on our educational experiences, we find that the educational system tries to make us think in a straight line. For example, most writing classes start by teaching the outline. If we apply metacognition, or thinking about our thinking, we quickly discover that this arrangement of ideas in logical order proves rather artificial. One thought leads to another, but they aren’t necessarily in the right order. We free-associate even when we are supposed to be disciplined. Outlining forces people to disrupt the creative process by figuring out where to place new thoughts within a linear flow. Mind mapping creates a more open canvas where the free flow of ideas can be captured in an organic way.
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Read more at in the July-August 2010Â iPhone Life or here online.
Daniel W. Rasmus, Founder and Principal Analyst of Serious Insights, is an internationally recognized speaker on the future of work and education. He is the author of several books, including Listening to the Future and Management by Design.
