Stuart’s Philosophies

If you have friends who have disliked using Mind maps, it is likely because they were taught the wrong way of using them. Feel free to refer them to this post.

For those of you taking examinations or having to study better, you can use mind maps! Mind mapping and whole brain note taking are parts of a larger process. HOWEVER, you need to know how to use it effectively, or else your efforts in using the mind maps will be wasted. 

Here’s a simple process to ensure that what you mapped out is effectively processed:

1. Pick up ALL details and CHECK. You have to check back on details you have identified and see that the information that you have selected can be compared with the text. If you have left out important points from your text, you have to revisit again, and add those missing points back into your notes.

2. Match the right method with the right thinking process. Ok. Those who do not understand this, it means you think all subjects or topics are covered or taught in the same way. Wrong idea. The most important thing you MUST do is to understand that different subjects are usually thought through differently. Even different topics in the same subject are thought through a different process. An example: physical geography. Most of the time, physical processes can be expressed in notes via a process map, or a flow chart. However, in the same subject, there may be factors influencing the development of volcanoes - this will be more easily processed by either a set of cluster notes or the standard mind map branches (see example, where I have highlighted the way the mindmap ought to be structured in the first branch). Remember, you do not always need a mind map. Some people prefer this, but some people actually can do far better with hybrid maps (those that combine the typical standard mind map with boxes, diagram notes, and even flowcharts). In the example, cluster maps can be useful because sometimes, a list appears to you more readily and functional. Even if it is taken word for word (of course, extract the non key words), you should be able to remember more effectively using a cluster notes as long as you follow the general rule of thumb - include pictures, use associations, use colors, make it outstanding, ensure it is an overview, and use key phrases.

 

3. Structure your notes tidily. Some people write mind maps as if they were like glorified linear notes. It’s like taking the whole textbook and cutting out long sentences and pasting them on the mind map. This is not sufficient and is usually detrimental. Here’s an example of what not to do:

 

  

  The entire line is so long, you might as well have just read the textbook itself, so it defeats the purpose of a mind map which helps you gain better understanding of the notes itself. Here’s how it could be re-structured better:

 

  

  4. Draw more pictures. Some people do not have the so-called creative flair. If you know how to draw stick figures, that is a start. Always find more and more images you can copy or draw. One good source is cliparts. You can always copy cliparts, because at least it is a start! Don’t give the silly excuse that because you’ve always never drawn pictures, you don’t need to. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you have always gotten! Change your strategy for note taking, because pictures will then allow you to memorize information much more easily!

5. Learn to memorize your mind map. If you are not used to the rigours of detail, then this will be painful for you. Your mind map may appear nice, but it’s not the beauty of the mind map that makes it useful - it’s the function of categorizing and remembering the information you need. So, you have to memorize it effectively using the right methods. First, make sure you convert words into pictures. As you select the words, you can also draw out pictures in your map so that you can make associations. Remember that to memorize something effectively you need a good story. Pictures help you to form that story.

Hopefully this will be useful for you. Those who have yet to join the “I am Gifted, So Are You” program should register for a preview at www.akltg.com/iag.php, because this is the hottest program in Singapore, and has gained a huge followership due to effective way the tools and strategies are taught.

 

  

  

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