Visual Thinking for Creative Learning

 Summary of Ruixuan et al (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge

Mind mapping is a widely used technique to structure information, but its potential for enhancing creativity in higher education is still being explored​.

New Insights from This Study

✔ Mind mapping encourages students to explore multiple perspectives, leading to the generation of more innovative and well-structured ideas.
✔ Students who consistently used mind maps in their coursework showed improved organization of ideas, enhancing both creativity and critical thinking.
✔ The approach provided a clearer framework for brainstorming sessions, making it easier for students to develop complex projects in innovation and entrepreneurship courses.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

📌 Use mind mapping in brainstorming exercises to help students generate, connect, and refine creative ideas effectively.
📌 Encourage students to maintain a personal mind map for tracking idea development over time, enhancing their ability to build upon previous concepts.
📌 Incorporate mind mapping into project planning activities, allowing students to visually structure their ideas before execution.

Conclusion

Mind mapping is a highly effective tool that fosters creative thinking, improves idea organization, and enhances learning outcomes.

Reference
Jin, R., Narayanan, G., Majid, S., & Chenhui, L. (2024). Exploring the Application of Mind Mapping to Enhance Students’ Creative Thinking. International Journal of Service Management and Sustainability, 9(2), 109–120.

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Visual Thinking for Creative Learning. Excellent Educator, 2(7), 4.