It is often difficult for students to absorb and store information for future retrieval when it is not organized in a meaningful way. Memorizing a collection of dry facts, better known as cramming, does not allow a student to effectively retain information. When proper study techniques are utilized, the brain processes learned information more quickly by grouping it into a usable, retrievable format that can be accessed at a later time. To enhance this process, adding a fun and inventive twist onto a learning technique will help hold a student's interest and make it ultimately more effective.
Pairing intuitive learning techniques with a student's natural creativity is just one of the reasons why SuperCamp remains a leader in academic summer camps around the world. Students, ranging from grades 4 through 12, will leave camp armed with a repertoire of critical learning and life skills necessary for success in their academic career. Bridging the gap between course work and student will be remarkably easier when they are equipped with a wide range of study skills and advantageous techniques that cater specifically to their learning style.
A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960's that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.
How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn your page horizontally and give yourself plenty of room to spread outwards. In the center of the page, write or draw something that represents the main idea; it will work best if you include both words and a sketch for maximum retention and comprehension. To help exemplify this, consider the life cycle of a plant. A picture of a plant corresponding with the words allows the brain to quickly associate and visualize content. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea using at least three separate colors and write a clarifying point along each of the branches' length: how a seed germinates, how plants gain nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. Be sure to include pictures wherever possible.
Color is important in Mind Mapping because it stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain and holds attention. Pairing pictures with words helps the brain form associations that can be easily summoned when needed. Each Mind Map should be unique in appearance and include a variety of pictures and words that emphasize the focal points and supporting details of the subject matter at hand. The final product will resemble a branching tree surrounding a central idea, which will serve as a reminder that the bigger picture should always be kept in mind.
With a strong foundation formed at an early age, students can develop study skills that work best with their mode of learning. A student who is able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be much less apprehensive about learning new material, which may set a trend in years to come. James Ohnoki, a SuperCamp graduate and earnest believer in Mind Mapping, felt that Mind Mapping brought about a new level of understanding to his study habits and became a major turning point in his academic career. The visual elements helped him connect facts to a bigger picture, while the drawing and coloring aspects gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.
As James learned at SuperCamp, effective techniques can help a student transform his or her study habits and leap over seemingly insurmountable hurdles once they utilize those learning techniques on a regular basis. The road to academic success does not have to be a difficult one when methods like Mind Mapping are at every student's disposal.
Pairing intuitive learning techniques with a student's natural creativity is just one of the reasons why SuperCamp remains a leader in academic summer camps around the world. Students, ranging from grades 4 through 12, will leave camp armed with a repertoire of critical learning and life skills necessary for success in their academic career. Bridging the gap between course work and student will be remarkably easier when they are equipped with a wide range of study skills and advantageous techniques that cater specifically to their learning style.
A camp favorite at SuperCamp is Mind Mapping, a method developed by Tony Buzan in the 1960's that promotes active learning through colorful picture and word associations. The goal of Mind Mapping is to get creative! Personalizing the information in a way that employs both sides of the brain is the key to this learning technique. Anyone who needs to organize information easily for absorption can use this technique, whether in preparation for an exam, a book report, planning an event, or tackling a challenging problem.
How does Mind Mapping work? The first step is to turn your page horizontally and give yourself plenty of room to spread outwards. In the center of the page, write or draw something that represents the main idea; it will work best if you include both words and a sketch for maximum retention and comprehension. To help exemplify this, consider the life cycle of a plant. A picture of a plant corresponding with the words allows the brain to quickly associate and visualize content. Draw tapering branches stemming from the main idea using at least three separate colors and write a clarifying point along each of the branches' length: how a seed germinates, how plants gain nutrients, the process of photosynthesis, and pollination. Be sure to include pictures wherever possible.
Color is important in Mind Mapping because it stimulates the imaginative portion of the brain and holds attention. Pairing pictures with words helps the brain form associations that can be easily summoned when needed. Each Mind Map should be unique in appearance and include a variety of pictures and words that emphasize the focal points and supporting details of the subject matter at hand. The final product will resemble a branching tree surrounding a central idea, which will serve as a reminder that the bigger picture should always be kept in mind.
With a strong foundation formed at an early age, students can develop study skills that work best with their mode of learning. A student who is able to manipulate content in a mentally stimulating way will be much less apprehensive about learning new material, which may set a trend in years to come. James Ohnoki, a SuperCamp graduate and earnest believer in Mind Mapping, felt that Mind Mapping brought about a new level of understanding to his study habits and became a major turning point in his academic career. The visual elements helped him connect facts to a bigger picture, while the drawing and coloring aspects gave him license to be as creative as he wanted.
As James learned at SuperCamp, effective techniques can help a student transform his or her study habits and leap over seemingly insurmountable hurdles once they utilize those learning techniques on a regular basis. The road to academic success does not have to be a difficult one when methods like Mind Mapping are at every student's disposal.
About the Author:
SuperCamp's teen summer programs have been improving the lives of kids and teens for over 27 years. Enroll your kids online and get your free copy of "10 Easy Ways to Study" to enhance their study skills today.
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