Mindmapping is the concept of taking a central point, demonstrating branches of a topic, and elaborating concepts. I first learned about mindmaps in a leadership training I facilitated. It was used as a review technique for participants but I have since tweaked the approach so it fits as a pedagogy in my class. I begin the class by presenting the "key" concept for the day and place this in a circle or box. I find this works best on a whiteboard. From this central concept, I facilitate discussion and add appendages and topic bubbles. I generally wait until the class has gelled to implement this technique. Using this technique to early in the evolution of the class and I have a hard time getting the students to participate fully. Students seem to enjoy this interactive approach. I've found that they even mimic the diagram on the board and tell me they have better recall of course information versus traditional note taking. Heather, does this help? Let me know and I'd be happy to send you an example.