Case Study Mind Maps

Prior to Semester

1. Allocate case studies or an aspect/chapter/section of the case study (budgeting, effects on employment, micro-economics) to groups of 5-8 students.
2. Display the groups against case studies in Blackboard.
3. Notify students to read their particular case study prior to class.

In class

4. Explain to students the value of Case Study Mind Maps and map a case study.
5. Ask students to refer to how to create a mind map and physically create a mind map in class.
6. Provide students with a large sheet of blank paper to plan their content. You could also consider the use of post-it notes to allow students to process ideas in a more flexible way (discuss, negotiate, accept or reject ideas).
7. Ask the groups to complete the mind mapping exercise in 15 minutes.
8. Recall the class and discuss the mind mapping process and how ideas were organised.
9. Provide students with a list of mind maps (see resources).
10. Ask each group to decide on a visual tool e.g. Total Recall available for free for ipads/iphones.
11. Ask groups to visually represent the case study information with the main concept placed in the centre of the mind map.

EXTENSION
Paper Round: Ask students to begin their mind map and after five minutes, students pass their mind map to another group. Ask students to complete the mind mapping and discuss the process, variations and approaches. The discussion will help students clarify aspects of the case study.
Poster Presentation: Create an exhibition and ask students to present their mind map in a physical space. The conversion from an online to a physical format also allows students time to reflect and review the main concepts of the case study.
Digital Presentations: The mind maps can also be shared on a forum or a wiki.  Ask students to write a brief description of the process and a brief evaluation of the tool used.  Ask students to develop a rubric for the evaluation.
Self-study Activity: During a tutorial, ask students to individually map the main concepts of a case study. This will ensure every student has mastered the mind mapping concept.