Mind map (1)

Though I have used mind map as a learning tool for years, though I still reading related books for a more systematic and organized way to draw them. Today I will introduce this tool a bit as well.

Mind map is a visualized note taking technique, which can make information more organized and facilitate creative problem solving. Unlike the list form or big paragraphs notes, mind map is fitter to humans’ thinking process (input and output in particular), and also more compact and organized.

Because of process writing (please refer to the last entry), I also came across with mind-map. After doing some rough reading, I started my first map of my life (during English lesson). Well, my first reception was that it is the right tool to facilitate my brainstorming rather than note taking. On that time, my drawing is pretty rough, yet not obeying the rules.

As I was started my study in HKU SPACE, I start to expand the usage of mind map from just writing compositions. Presentations, projects, meetings, etc, it really made my life easier. In this stage, my drawings are more refined, I start using numbers, linkage and colors, made them more readable and interesting.

This year, my last year of higher diploma course, the world seems getting even larger. I met two great teachers, as well as starting my career (and writing these stuff once a week :P), I further explore the usage of mind map besides of my studies. Yet I started to use computer software to draw my new maps (and remake my old maps too).

Thanks to Tony Buzan, the one who make this technique more systematic as well as more populated. He suggested a guideline for mind-mappers (see below), and frankly speaking I still have much to learn on obeying the rules.

1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.

2. Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.

3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.

4. Each word/image is best alone and sitting on its own line.

5. The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.

6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.

7. Use multiple colors throughout the Mind Map, for visual stimulation and also to encode or group.

8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.

9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.

10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

Despite of the importance of these rules, you can find your way through drawings, just like me. And hope you all will find it useful. :D

Next week: Some extensive use of mind maps, as well as showing some of my previous drawings.

Process writing

From this entry I will share some of my experience about learning.

We have to write something every day, no matter what the purposes are. Maybe you have heard this before, today I’m going to introduce an awesome method called “Process Writing”. I learned this when I was in Form 6 and found it pretty useful, which I still use it today.

This method consists of the following steps:

1. Brainstorming

2. Mind-mapping

3. Make outline

4. Draft

5. Final copy

First is brainstorming, don’t be confused by this name, what you have to do is THINK. No matter relevant or irrelevant (to the topic), it is a good practice to keep your mind free and open.

Meanwhile, you can either take traditional notes (bullet-point form) or visualize your ideas in form of mind map. Yes, mind map is a more effective (and efficient) way to make notes, which I will have a separated entry for this later. For outline, this is not a must, but still good for min map beginners or if your composition is a homework, which an outline is good for your teachers to know your ideas.

Next is pretty straight-forward, just use some time to draft your words, don’t be serious about spelling or grammatical mistakes, just make sure you’re stick to what the outline shown (i.e. good organization in terms of suitable content order and paragraphs).

Finally is the final copy, in here you can fine tune your words used, especially opening, closing and transitions. Also you have to proof-read your work to prevent mark deduction due to careless mistakes, of course I suggest you to exchange your work with your classmate to check for each other in case you are allowed to do that.

This method is clear, organized and error-proof, but in other way is time-consuming, which is a drawback in exams. So you can refine the process according to your strength and habits, make it serves you well in all situations.

For next week: Extension entry for mind mapping

Sorry :(

Sorry for being absent last Sunday, because I had other things to deal with. The upcoming entry will be a bit longer, which is about how to learn, stay tuned!

Bob

How to improve your English through (online) games

Maybe some of you will be interested in what I’m going to mention today……”how to improve your English through (online) games”. If you’re parents or teachers, believe it or not, this is a good way to practice English and expand your social network. Of course, please discuss this issue with your child first.

(I do not mean to advertise the games I’ve played) The first game I was playing is called DeadFrontier, just another zombie shooting MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). So, what’s the point? Bundles of vocabulary and sentence structure inside the inventory, forum and wiki. In the multiplayer mode, you can interact with other players. However, I won’t recommend this game because it is time consuming; better just leave after you learn from items and the wiki.

Facebook is a great tool of making friends (as well as finding friends lol), game companies were realizing that this is another potential market, so there are plenty of good games for us. Last year I was used to play one of them called My Heroes Ability, which is a tribute to the well known TV drama episodes Heroes. The most precious memory was that met friends around the world, created a clan and became one of the strongest in the whole game. Unfortunately, the company stopped supporting this game and even closed. After that, I started my journey in Battlestations. Like the former one, I can meet clanmates which are from other countries, chi-chat and discuss game issues in the chat room (English is the only language), as you are not too shy to join the chat, you will eventually master English in normal interaction. Though it may not be useful in exams, you can sounds more natural in conversations with foreigners.

All in all, learn English from games is another effective way. But bear in mind that, even the game has Chinese version, please use the English version, and not to be addicted for sure!