Note taking is, as many people do already know, is an important part of successful study. There is however, a right and wrong way to do things. And there are also new ways to do things that are simply more efficient and conducive to learning that not everyone is aware of.
Note Taking the Old Fashioned Way
Most people are used to taking notes the old fashioned way. By this we mean copying notes into a notebook, highlighting certain passages in a book or maybe even covering the wall in sticky notes. And as people have been studying this way for years it’s natural to assume this isn’t a bad way of doing things at all. Indeed, it really isn’t, but it’s not a process that is really conducive to the most effective learning possible.
This is because it does not work well with the way your brain works. The system is linear in nature and the human mind is not. For example, if we were to ask you right now what you had for dinner last night would you need to think back to this morning to figure it out? Of course not, your brain is capable of pinpointing events far better than that and the same is true as it applies to study, which is why a system called mind mapping is a far better alternative, especially for students.
What is Mind mapping?
Mind mapping, which was originally created by a man called Tony Buzan, is an engaging way to visualize ideas or concepts. You take a central concept and branch out from it, usually making use of colours and pictures rather than just words. Take a look at the examples below to see what we mean:
Now that you have seen them ‘in action’ you can see just how much more engaging mind maps are than those boring notes. But that is not the only way that they help with study. Making use of mind maps while studying offers all of the following advantages as well:
- By noting down only key words and information on your mind maps, you save time while studying.
- When you use your mind maps to write essays or study for exams you will more easily recall the most important information.
- Instead of recalling just words your brain will be able to recall images which for many people is a far more effective way to learn anything.
- The brain responds far better to mind mapping as it replicates the natural thinking process, making studying more enjoyable and more fun, essential things for helping young students stay more focused and productive.
How to Mind map
Mind maps can be as simple, or as ‘fancy’ as you want them to be. In their most basic form they can simply be doodles on a piece of paper. Alternately there are a number of mind mapping softwares available that can be used to create the more polished kinds of mind maps. There are even smartphone apps that allow for mind mapping on the go.
If a student is used to traditional note taking the concept of replacing those methods with mind mapping will really only take a short time to grasp. Once they have they – and you as parents – should notice a positive difference almost right away and then it’ll be hard for any of you to ever imagine ever doing it the ‘old fashioned’ way at all ever again!
