Studying with Mind Maps
Mind maps and mind mapping can help make studying easier and more effective for just about anyone, even if your primary learning style isn't visual. Mind mapping mirrors the way our brains process and store information, making it easier to understand, use, and recall information we learn in school, at work, or for fun.
If you're in high school or college, mind mapping can be used to replace or complement conventional linear note-taking. Instead of studying from an outline format, handwritten or software-generated mind maps can be created to convey the same information, albeit much more effectively. One simple tip - convert your notes to mind maps and use them for study guides. You'll multiply the effects of your note taking tremendously, and have a great tool to use to prepare for tests, papers, projects, etc.
Mind Mapping can Make Studying Easier
In addition to making note-taking more intuitive, mind maps are more effective for studying the information from those notes. Instead of page after page of notes formatted almost identically, mind maps convey a sense of hierarchy, establish relationships, and use mental triggers (color, contract, relative location, etc.) to further enhance the results from studying.
Learn to Study / Effective Studying 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 books/courses and they're amazing! If you're interested in improving your studying skills, I suggest both of these courses (start with Accelerated Learning, then Concept Mapping).
- Dynamic Learning by Robert Dilts and Todd Epstein (Accelerated learning strategies for adults and children, lot of examples. Includes effective learning strategies for spelling, typing, memory, and a lot more.)
- The Mind Map Book, Tony Buzan (Especially chapters 15 and 16, and pages 211 - 244.)
- Lifehack.org has a great article on effective note taking - including mind mapping. Lots of great tips and tricks for everyone, particularly students.
- Check out Levenger's Editor's Desk - great for any kind of note taking, including mind mapping. I use Levenger note paper, 3" x 5" cards, Circa notebooks, Oasis pads, and more - the quality is outstanding and using their products is a pleasure.