Lined paper - the n° 1 memory killer?

Ever used Mindmaps? Know what they can be used for? Ever heard of Mindmaps?

Mindmpas are a great tool for quick and dirty brainstorming, especially when faced with complex problems to solve that may present several solutions at the outset and even more as you go through the thought process.

Mindmaps can be used for as many tasks as you want - from brainstorming problems and isseus right down to improving memory.

You know the scene, language learners who scrabble to write down gems of information as they cascade from a learning session - anything from individual words to idiomatic expressions. All thrown into a basket of crabs that is a notepad. Some put translations into their own language - Table = Table (french & English although the spelling doesn't show that straight away). When the learner needs to use the word / expression, the first thing that comes to mind is the translation that they wrote in their own language - if they are lucky they may then, after a lapse of time, find the translation into English but all hope of any spontaneity have flown rapidly out of the window.

So back to the scene - a list of random and unconnected words / expressions taken down as they occur. If the learner is 'organised' they will then write them up again (good for the memory for visual learners? - maybe). I often ask learners how they have worked since the last sesion / seminar and 99% state that they have worked on or revised their vocab that they have learnt - great! or maybe not.

If I were a real sceptic, I could think that their 'revision' ammounted to little more than reading through an unconnected and often disconnected array of random words that held little meaning at the time they were written down, and after a couple of days (or more) mean even less that when they were written.

Luckily I am not a sceptic and my optimism is illustrated in my belief that everyone finds their own way (sooner or later).

How about trying something different - if you aren't already converted to Mindmapping?

Using visuals, space and connected ideas that stimulate discovery and stay organic, unlike the 20 or so lines on a sheet of A4.

Often learners can explain how idustrial textiles are made, how an aeroplane cockpit is put together, how SAP is deployed in a company and what purpose it serves. Get them around a table talking about their likes and dislikes can pose a few more stumbling blocks, get them suggesting and recommending food and wine to their foreign colleagues and .........

The simple ways are often the best - try taking a food catalogue (Internet or otherwise) cut out the cuts of meat and vegetables etc. and start a Mindmap:

Meat - Cuts

Poultry - Types

Ways of cooking - steamed, fried, grilled, etc.

Fruit etc. etc.

the simple act of finding the picture, cutting them out and arranging them on a Mindmap gives a strong underpinning to the memory - then the 'revision' will have a lot more meaning and will be active!

Here are a couple of examples - you are only limited by your imagination and the application that you want to use the Mindmaps for.

If you use Mindmaps - How do you use them and what for?