WEDNESDAY

Idea Maps are often called Mind Maps or Concept Maps. Your visual memory is your strongest memory, so it makes sense to use it in your learning. Idea Maps enable you to create a visual map of what you have learned to show connections to what you already know and they cater for both left and right brain dominant students. You create them by starting with a key word concept about the topic in the centre of the page in a balloon and from the centre create a series of branches with balloons on their ends. Write things that are important to you in each balloon because they are your personal interpretations. Smaller balloons may come off the branches or branches may connect themselves. Following below is an example of an idea map which connects different revising strategies for different subjects. ENGLISH » write character studies » explore themes » practise planning essays » practise drafting and writing to a time limit » write responses to news items » use the T.E.E.L. Thinking Tool. MATHS » have three equal columns each page of your revision folder » in the first column, write a step by step plan of attack for a specific type of problem » in the second column, do a worked example that shows each step of the process » in column three, write notes, observations in your own words on what is happening » always have a blank sheet of paper next to you to record any problems you may have.

USE IDEA MAPS TO » plan activities, assignments, timelines » set out methods for solving problems » breaking down an issue into achievable bits.

REVISING IDEA MAPS » use colours; they stimulate your brain » show ‘the big picture’ on one page » to see logical connections » are engaging doing activities.

USE IDEA MAPS TO » summarise information into logical groupings for yourself » think laterally outside the square.

SCIENCE » read through the exercises at the end of the chapter » read the chapter, looking for answers to the exercises; you are reading for a purpose » re-read the chapter, summarising main points and definitions » make a poster of an idea map to place on the wall in your room.

HUMANITIES » find key words and phrases and then write paragraphs that expand on them » use the T.E.E.L. Thinking Tool » construct webs/links that explore and discuss different aspects of the course » practise writing introductions and conclusions » write brief summaries on content » write paragraphs/essays, don’t touch them for two days, then redraft them.

Be self-determined to create ways you can optimise Idea Maps when deliberately practising in each of your subjects.

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14 © Print & Marketing Services (Vic) Pty Ltd “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Saying Subject:................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Subject:................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Subject:................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Subject:................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Acknowledgement: Edward De Bono