Study Skills: Mind mapping |

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Study Skills: Mind mapping

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John Bransby is a former principal and examiner and is currently a Maths and Science Educational consultant

A mind map is a diagram that visually maps out, summarises or organises information. For many people, using mind maps helps them to remember information more easily.

How to make a mind map

1. Start your mind map by writing or drawing a word or picture in the centre of the page. This word of picture should represent your main idea and for the section or chapter.
2. Draw branches extending from your central image and write a key word or draw a picture to represent your main topics (or major points) on these branches.
3. From your main topics, draw further branches for your sub-topics drawing and/or writing key words down as you go.
4. From your sub-topics, branch off with more detail that supports your sub-topics with more key words and drawings.
5. Continue to add more detail, more topics more sub-topics until you have completely summarised the section or chapter on the page.

Using drawings, key words and various colours will also make it easier and more interesting when preparing for exams.

Why make mind maps?

  • When creating your mind map, you use both sides of your brain.
  • Like your brain, a mind map works with links, connections and associations.
  • A mind map makes it easier to remember facts.
  • A mind map helps you to become more creative.
  • A mind map allows ideas to flow easily.
  • A mind map can be read and reviewed quickly and easily.
  • It is easy to see how ideas are related on a mind map.
  • A mind map uses keywords to improve memory and saves time.
  • A mind map focuses on the main idea and then connects the other ideas.
  • A mind map allows you to make easy additions.
  • All the information on a section or chapter is on one page.
  • Mind mapping optimises your brain’s potential fully.

Follow this link to a video on how to make mind maps – it may be the answer for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRzmKQ-OEKY

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Exam practice is essential. Make sure your students have access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

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Remind your students that studying should be active. They should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing themselves on the sections they are studying.

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Formulae sheets or key concept sheets are useful for quick revision. Make some sheets your students can stick on a wall or at the back of their books. The more they look at the formulae and key...

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Many subjects require students to know work from the previous grades. Make sure your child has access to a good reference book that contains the concepts they need to refer back to.

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Be calm and supportive on the morning of the test or exam. Leave any difficult conversations for another time.

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Make sure your teenager has enough time to relax, do sport, play music and spend time with friends. A balanced lifestyle often leads to better results.

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Sit with your child and help him/her with their studies whenever you get time. Ask him to explain the work to you.

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Try to be supportive even when you are disappointed in your child’s marks. Help your child by asking her teacher for advice, getting additional study material or outside tutoring. This will build...

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Speak openly to your child so that he feels that he can share problems or concerns with you.

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Encourage your child not to cram at the last minute. The work that is learned while your child is panicking is unlikely to be...

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The night before the exam, encourage your child to relax. Allow him to do something fun and make sure he gets to bed early.

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On the afternoon before the exam, get your child to review her notes and summaries, especially for sections of work where she is less confident.

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On the morning of the exam, get your child to go over his formulae sheets to remind him of key information.

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Once your teenager has completed practise exam papers, go over the areas where they struggle. Get a study guide to help you and your student if you need help with a particular section.

[ more ]

Exam practice is essential. Make sure your student has access to practice exam papers for the subjects they take. Make sure the exam papers relate to the correct version of the curriculum.

[ more ]

Studying should be active. Your child should be making notes, working through examples, doing practice exam papers and testing herself on the sections she is studying.

[ more ]

Formulae sheets or key concept sheets are useful for quick revision. Get your teenager to stick them on the wall in their room. The more they look at the formulae and key concepts, the more likely...

[ more ]

Different study methods work for different students. Find out what works for your child so you understand how you can support him or her.

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When you are writing an exam, first write down all the formulae or important facts you are worried about forgetting.

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Make a list of the stationery and instruments you need for your exam and pack it the night before.

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Go to bed early the night before tests and exams so that you can wake up in time to quickly read through the sections you are worried about.

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Stay positive and confident! Believe that you can ace the test or the exam.

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Always test yourself on what you have studied - or ask someone else to test you.

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Make sure you know and can explain all formulas and theorems in your exams. These are easy marks.

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Once you have revised a section, do plenty of practice questions to check that you can apply your knowledge.

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Find out what study method works best for you. Use mindmaps, flow diagrams and/or notes.

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Work through worked examples and solutions step-by-step until you understand them well.

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Keep healthy: Exercise, drink water and eat food that is good for your body and mind.

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Look up definitions for words you don’t understand.

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Study for 30 to 45 minutes at a time and then take a break – otherwise you won’t concentrate as well.

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Create a realistic timetable to cover all the sections in all the subjects you are studying and try to stick to it.

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Give yourself plenty of time to study before tests and exams.

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Do extra questions and worksheets on sections you find difficult.

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