Mind Maps. Yea or Nay?

shoey

Just curious if anyone uses mind maps for cert studying and if so, do you think it made a substantial difference?

dontstop

I used them as part of my CCENT, CCNA studies and found them fairly good at forcing my brain to recall the commands. The only issue is that doing them a very time consuming.

shoey

dontstop wrote: »

I used them as part of my CCENT, CCNA studies and found them fairly good at forcing my brain to recall the commands. The only issue is that doing them a very time consuming.

Do you think there's any benefit to reading over someone else's mind map? Or is the real benefit in taking the time to map out everything yourself?

dontstop

I think like writing notes that the process of creating the mind maps and is what is most valuable. That's not to say there isn't value from reading other people's mind maps as it depends on how you learn. Once you create your own notes/mind maps they then become your own condensed form of revision.

ccie14023

Memory is generally very visual. That is why advanced memory techniques, such as the method of loci (aka memory palaces) are primarily visualization techniques. It's also why you will remember the exact location on a printed page of some text you read, and be able to find it quickly. I've never been a huge fan of mind maps per se, but diagramming techniques can be extremely helpful for visualizing and committing to memory difficult and complex data. I mentioned this in a blog post I wrote and gave an example of how I diagrammed some complex configuration:

Multiple CCIE's, multiple attempts - SubnetZero

b0Ris

I think this comes down to what works for you personally. I know that I dont get a lot of benefit out of mind maps and the few times I have tried to make anything have been a waste of time. Again, this is personal preference.

On the other hand, labs and flash cards are my go to.

I think the key at the end of the day is for you to create your own study materials (dont rip stuff directly off the internet).

gespenstern

Nay. Doesn't work for me.

NavyMooseCCNA

I'm doing a mindmap for the first time with my CISSP. The jury is still out if it is helpful or a colossal waste of time.

stlsmoore

Using flashcards such as Anki I find more efficient than mind maps. I like using mind maps for planning out goals for a specific project.

ratherunique17

I love them. I like my notes to be highly concise. It also helps me to retain information better. I use one of my self-made mindmap templates that I made in Microsoft word. With that, I will print it out then write on it.

Or, I use mindmeister.com.

Sadly, I've just gotten into mind mapping as well. At 25 years old and 6 months left on my Masters lol. Better late than never, I guess.

DatabaseHead

stlsmoore wrote: »

Using flashcards such as Anki I find more efficient than mind maps. I like using mind maps for planning out goals for a specific project.

Flashcards here as well. Mind maps don't do much for me.

TechGromit

I'm more of a GPS guy.

ITSec14

I used them while studying for the CISSP. I would say the biggest benefit from it was seeing all the domains broken down on a single page. I think mentally it helped me not get so lost in all of the content and keep a high level view of everything.

cyberguypr

I looked at them a few times and wanted to like them but never really made sense or helped me in any way.

veritas_libertas

It's really all about what works well for you. I prefer flash cards and handwritten notes.