Accelerated Learning - Learn Faster and Easier
Accelerated learning or dynamic learning is a very broad topic that includes psychology, state-management, intelligence theory, and much more. (Accelerated learning defined.) Mind mapping and concept mapping are useful techniques to accelerate learning because both make information easier to understand.
Depending on your topic - language, spelling, speed reading, improving memory, etc. - mind mapping and/or concept mapping can be very useful. I have used both mind and concept mapping to understand complicated topics, outline books I've read, compile data for a master's thesis, prepare business presentations, write research papers, manage information, and much more. I'm continually amazed how much easier it is to learn more, faster, when I use mind maps, especially when I contrast mind mapping with traditional note taking.
If only I had known about mind mapping in high school and college!
Mind Mapping and Accelerated Learning
My first reaction when I read about mindmapping was "that's great for visual learners," but what about the rest of us? I've never had strong visual learning skills - my learning strategy is primarily auditory. (More about learning strategies.)
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Although they're represented visually, mind maps tap into something much deeper (see Buzan's The Mind Map Book for a really thorough discussion). The idea is that mindmaps mirror how our brain works with networks of associations that combine images, sounds, and gut-level feelings (kinesthetic learning). I've found that I comprehend information must faster, and at a much deeper level, when I use mind maps.
If you have a paper to write, project to research, test to take, or want to take more effective notes, give mind mapping a try. A great first step is to better understand your learning styles. I highly recommend Learning-Styles-Online.com's excellent overview of learning styles and their free online learning styles test with easy-to-understand graphical results.
Accelerated Learning Resources
This list isn't complete - I'm only comfortable recommending resources I've personally used or read and found valuable.
- Memletics High Performance Learning I completed both the Accelerated Learning and Concept Mapping ebooks and they're amazing! If you're primarily interested in mind mapping / concept mapping, get the Concept Mapping ebook. If you'd like rock-solid strategies for dramatically accelerating your learning skills in general, consider Accelerated Learning.
- Learning-Styles-Online.com has an excellent overview of learning styles and a free online learning styles test with easy-to-understand graphical results.
- Dynamic Learning by Robert Dilts and Todd Epstein (Accelerated learning strategies for adults and children, lot of examples including spelling, typing, speed reading, improving memory, etc..)
- The Mind Map Book, Tony Buzan. Chapter 1, The Amazing Brain, is a great place to start learning about your brain's unlimited potential.