In my other discussions on this topic you may remember me trying to get you to take notes on what you read. This is part of the learning process that we are doing to remember more and have to do less studying, or at least more efficient studying. When I reevaluated mind mapping techniques for use in my own outlining of Courseware, I realized that I could use mind mapping techniques to take notes on the reading I have to do to study for a new course.
Remember that mind mapping is using diagrams to represent ideas in a sort of self-organizing way. the only questions is how to I build the map. Do I do it chapter by chapter or do I do the whole book in one map. NovaMind my choice for mind mapping software for the Mac and Windows. It has the capability of having more than one mind map in the file. This way I could have a chapter per mind map in one file. I chose NovaMind because it seems a little easier to make better looking mind maps.
So, my technique is to use the Chapter title as the central point of the mind map. Each node from the main idea is a major division of the Chapter. The child nodes from these nodes would be facts or points presented by the author of the material for that division. You could add more detail by adding more child nodes until you are satisfied with that branch. Then you would move on to the next major division in the chapter and summarize the information. Moe through the chapter until all major divisions are covered. When you put down the information for each child node make sure to write it down in your own words. I know that the Teacher said the same thing about outlining, but it is just as true now as then. When you write down the points in your own words you have to understand the material. That understanding does translate into real understanding in my opinion.
Once the mind map is completed, now comes the time for making the map yours. Use icons, pictures and colors to remind yourself what the notes are about. The use of pictures engages the artistic part of your brain which makes it double likely that you will remember the information later. Color makes it obvious which nodes belongs together. You will find it easier to recall the information later by doing some of these embellishments. Only add them if they make sense for the mind map.
Most mind mapping software allow for the folding and unfolding of branches. Take advantage of that for adding more detail, and then hiding it until you need it. Folding branches also allows you to print just what you need for paper notes.
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