Mind Mapping by Scott Green

Author:Scott Green
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General
Publisher: Yap Kee Chong
Published: 2014-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

Note Taking Using Mind Maps

The traditional method of note taking is a skill to be learned. One needs practice to be able to benefit from this activity. Otherwise, you just might be writing useless information and tiring yourself in the process.

In the old method, you start with purpose in mind. Why are going to take down notes. Is it because the topic being taught would come out in the exam? Or, is it because the information being shared would be used for a term paper later on? Your purpose would determine how and what you would take note of in the lecture. For instance, one tends to be more comprehensive when the purpose is for an exam.

The subject is also another point in consideration for traditional note taking. History class would have a form of narrative style note taking while science subject would usually have bullet points style of note taking. Math subjects would have more formula and symbols rather than texts in them.

To make note taking easier, some people use short handwriting and other abbreviations. This would make you take note faster and you would have more time to understand and absorb the data being given. Afterwards, the use of colors is sometimes done when important points are highlighted using different markers. Some people use color-coding in their notes such as green marker for those priorities or important notes. Yellow markers are for important names while pink markers are for special dates. Of course, you have liberty to do your own color code. Attach legends so that other people would understand the code.

On the other hand, note taking using the new mind mapping method would require the following steps.

1. Preparedness. Be prepared in all aspects. First, secure all the materials that you would need, paper and color markers. Check the room for appropriate temperature, presence of comfortable chair and table, lighting and even, cleanliness of the room. Make sure that there are no distractions once the activity starts. Prepare yourself physically, too. You should be comfortable and as much as possible, well-fed. If you are hungry, doing a mind map could be difficult for you. Be mentally ready. Clear your minds of other issues and concerns. Let your focus just be centered on note taking using mind mapping.

You also prepare intellectually by creating an outline of your map. This is called a pre-map. It would be to your advantage when you know the topic to be discussed. Place your central topic on the center of the paper already, with an image that suits your topic, even before the start of the lecture or discussion. You could even start coloring it. While you are at it, try to branch out some main themes so that when the actual lesson starts, you would just place the topic notes on the appropriate branches.

2. Add the topics to the central theme as soon as you hear them and recognize their category. If there were points that you cannot directly place on the branches, just make a floating topic.

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