As the end of the year fast approaches, it’s likely that study habits are on the rise and are of more importance than ever. As the year-end exams become more and more of a reality, study time becomes more and more valuable. That brings us to question to ask what is the most valuable study technique? You know, the most “bang-for-your-buck” for lack of a better phrase. Although there are many powerful techniques, studies show that creating and using mind maps increase more than just the grades associated with the test that the mind map is used for. Mind mapping has a long list of benefits that actually go beyond just retaining information. Skills that can be used in all aspects of life, such as organization, communication and problem solving are direct results of mind mapping. Our brains and memories work based on cognitive association, meaning that we automatically group millions of thoughts, phrases, pictures, ideologies, etc. to one piece of information. When we see this word, picture or phrase, we automatically associate other concepts (even without trying!) So, what better way to harness the power of this than with a mind map? But how exactly do you get started? Follow these 4 simple steps and watch how by simply mapping out your thoughts, they become 10x’s more powerful!
1. Plant the Roots
Thinking of a creating a mind map just as you would think of taking care of a house plat or a tree is a helpful way to group the stages of the process and simply execute the creation of the mind map. The first step is to “plant the roots.” When planting a houseplant or a tree, typically you choose which seeds and type of tree/plant you want to grow. Planting the roots in terms of creating a mind map means deciding on the topic or line of topics and branching out from there. For example, it could be a certain chapter in your studies, or a certain concept that is more difficult that was learned over a variety of lessons, such as stem-changing verbs.
2. Add the Branches
Adding the branches means to actually branch out what your mind associates with the concept, and the key points in learning that material that is necessary for full comprehension. Just like a tree, often there will be one main branch (i.e. a concept or idea associated with the main concept) with smaller child branches (i.e. smaller concepts that are even further broken down). This is the step where you use the most creativity, being that each branch does not need the same about of child branches, or concepts associated with it. A list or a table typically is set up with the same amount of subtopics and rows or columns, and therefore can be limiting. Creating a mind map is a more realistic approach to learning and comprehending, considering some topics cover a broad spectrum of ideas, where others may only need a few associations to grasp.
3. Give it “Water”
A plant or tree cannot grow without water, right? It’s essential for growth and development. When you water a plant or a tree, you cannot over-water it either, otherwise, it will die. This is similarly applied to creating a mind map. Adding the water to a mind map is adding colours to the branches, images, keywords, etc. Although, this is the stage where your ideas become to narrow, and decision making kicks in for you to decide what to add, and what is not necessary. If you overdo this part, than your mind map can become rather confusing instead of useful. So, following basic guidelines of (1) coloring coding whole streams of branches to tie together topics, (2) adding images after the main first branch only and (3) using only 1-5 keywords for the subtopics to avoid confusion will get you well on your way to creating a powerful mind map.
4. Eat The Fruit
After all that hard work, you deserve some praise, right? The “fruit” of a mind map comes in many forms. Firstly, considering it is only one page of paper, the mobility of the mind map yields as an important convenience factor in studying. Fold it up and read it on the metro or when waiting in line, and you basically have a whole textbook specified for one topic in the palm of your hands. The colour coordination also plays a huge role in studying being that brighter colours actually can increase your attention and memory. Although these are great benefits, the key benefits of a mind map is that is essentially the best way to get information in and out of your brain. Studies show that mind maps can be the most beneficial way to study material, tapping into both hemispheres of your brain, while using the initial concept of association.
Mind maps are are a powerful study tool and we encourage you to use them! Wondering if this is possible to apply to your studies or your child’s studies? Email info@thefrenchtutor.ca for a free consultation to see what type of studying is best suited for your needs!
